Lifestyle and Sleep: Assessing the Quality of Sleep and its Impact on Health of Urban Working Professionals in the Region of Central Gujarat, India

Materials and Methods

A Comprehensive survey was conducted among 400 individuals aged 25 to 40, consisting of 200 males and 200 females. Participants were selected based on their availability and willingness to participate. The data collection focused on self-reported physical, mental, and sleep health conditions. Information on age, BMI, and health conditions was gathered through structured questionnaires (CRF).

Materials Used

Oximeter: This non-invasive instrument gauges heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels. It is especially helpful in determining who is at risk for sleep apnea, a disorder marked by frequent breathing pauses as you sleep.

Digital Sphygmomanometer: This tool measures blood pressure accurately and aids in the diagnosis of hypertension, which is frequently associated with poor sleep patterns and elevated stress levels [13-18].

Methodologies

Study Plan: A comprehensive survey was used in this cross-sectional study a random selection of 400 participants from a range of professional backgrounds was made (consisting 200 male and 200 female).

Data Collection: Data of sleep patterns, lifestyle choices as well as medical issues were evaluated using a systematic set of questions. The questionnaire addressed topics like sleep length and quality. Sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome were seen. Physical health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular illnesses and hypertension were seen. Mental health issues such as stress anxiety and sadness were also noticed in individuals. Clinical Measurements: To assess the risk of sleep apnea, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels were measured. Participants were encouraged to visit a doctor if their values were abnormally high or low (Figure 1.1, 1.2) [31,32].

Figure 1: Case Report Form.

Statistical Analysis/Result

Common Symptoms Seen Across Sleep Disorders (Figure 2)

a. In the case of Hypertension, 1 male (1.1%) and 5 females (5.6%) were affected.

b. For Blood Pressure (BP) issues, 22 males (24.7%) and 16 females (18.0%) were reported.

c. Regarding Cholesterol, 6 males (6.7%) and 7 females (7.9%) were affected.

d. Mood Disturbances were observed in 39 males (43.8%) and 63 females (70.8%).

e. Physical Discomfort was reported in 13 males (14.6%) and 17 females (19.1%).

Figure 2:

Figure 3:

Common Sleep Disorders Seen in Working Adults (Figure 3)

a. Insomnia had the highest total cases (105), making it the most prevalent disorder.

b. Nightmares followed closely with 100 total cases.

c. Restless Leg Syndrome (57) and Sleep Apnea (56) were moderately common.

d. Parasomnia (34), Circadian Rhythm Syndrome (43), and Narcolepsy (34) had relatively lower cases.

Sleep Disorders by Gender (Figure 4)

a. Insomnia and Nightmares emerged as the most dominant sleep disorders across both genders.

b. Females showed a higher prevalence in most disorders except Parasomnia, where males reported more cases.

c. Disorders like Narcolepsy and Circadian Rhythm Syndrome showed relatively balanced distribution across genders.

Figure 4:

Mental Conditions Seen in Working People (Figure 5)

a. Stress and Anxiety were the most dominant conditions across both genders.

b. Females showed a higher prevalence in most conditions except Substance Abuse, which was reported only in males.

c. PTSD was exclusive to females, while Substance Abuse was exclusive to males.

d. Conditions like Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD showed a relatively smaller gender gap.

Figure 5:

Physical Health (Figure 6)

a. Physical Health: Hypertension was reported in 16 individuals, high blood pressure in 33, and cardiovascular disease in 23.

b. Obesity affected 29 participants, while 12 had diabetes.

c. Digestive issues were reported by 63 participants, and 136 experienced headaches, with 115 reporting back pain, while 80 experienced Fatigue.

Figure 6:

Distribution of Mental Health Parameter Score (Figure 7)

a. Score 1-5 had the highest prevalence, observed in 41% of individuals, indicating mild mental health concerns or early signs of distress.

b. Score 0 accounted for 29% of individuals, suggesting no reported mental health issues in this group.

c. Score 6-10 represented 20% of individuals, indicating moderate mental health concerns that may require some form of intervention.

d. Score 11-19, the least common but most severe category, was seen in 10% of individuals, indicating serious mental health challenges requiring immediate attention.

Figure 7:

Discussion

The study aimed to assess the impact of lifestyle on sleep patterns among urban working professionals in Central Gujarat. The findings reveal notable differences in sleep disorders, mental health concerns, and physical conditions across genders. The results emphasize the need for workplace interventions and improved sleep hygiene practices to address these issues effectively.

Gender-Based Differences in Sleep Patterns and Health

a. Insomnia and nightmares were the most prevalent sleep disorders among both males and females, with females exhibiting a higher prevalence. The higher occurrence of insomnia in females aligns with existing research that associates hormonal changes, caregiving roles, and increased stress with disturbed sleep patterns [19].

b. Males demonstrated a greater tendency for hypertension and substance abuse. The correlation between poor sleep hygiene, lifestyle habits (e.g., alcohol, smoking), and higher cardiovascular risks may explain this trend [20].

Mental Health Concerns

a. Stress and anxiety were predominant in both genders, but significantly higher in females. This reflects the additional stress burden women may face, potentially linked to household responsibilities combined with professional commitments [21,22].

b. PTSD was exclusively reported among females, while substance abuse was exclusive to males, reinforcing traditional gender trends in coping mechanisms [21].

c. OCD cases showed a remarkable gender disparity, with females presenting significantly higher rates than males [21,22].

Physical Health Observations

a. Hypertension (4% overall), blood pressure issues (9% overall), and cardiovascular diseases (5.75% overall) were prominent physical health conditions linked to inadequate sleep quality. The presence of obesity (7.25% overall) and digestive issues (15.75% overall) further correlates with poor lifestyle habits such as irregular meal timings, high caffeine intake, and sedentary behavior [23,24].

b. The prevalence of headaches (34%), back pain (28.75%), and fatigue (20%) suggests that poor sleep patterns contribute significantly to somatic symptoms, reducing overall quality of life.

Distribution of Mental Health Scores

a. The majority of participants fell into the score ranges of 1-5 (41%) and 6-10 (20%), indicating mild to moderate mental health concerns. This highlights a population that may require preventive mental health strategies [25,26].

b. The 10% reporting severe mental health challenges (score 11- 19) indicates a critical need for targeted interventions such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and professional support networks [25,26].

Workplace Environment and Sleep Hygiene

The study underscores the impact of lifestyle behaviors such as excessive screen time, late-night work, and irregular sleeping schedules, which were frequently reported by participants. The findings reinforce the importance of adopting positive behavioral changes to enhance sleep quality and mental well-being.

Conclusion

The study highlights a significant prevalence of sleep disorders, mental health concerns, and lifestyle-induced physical health issues in urban working professionals. Women exhibited higher instances of mood disturbances (70.8%), anxiety (65 cases), and insomnia (over 50% of reported cases), whereas men showed higher rates of hypertension (24.7%). The presence of chronic sleep disorders such as insomnia (26.25%), nightmares (25%), and restless leg syndrome (14.25%) among both genders indicates a pressing need for awareness campaigns on sleep hygiene.

To mitigate these concerns, workplace interventions promoting better work-life balance, stress management programs, and regular health screenings are strongly recommended [27,28]. Encouraging healthy sleep practices, limiting screen exposure before bedtime, and maintaining consistent sleep routines could significantly improve overall health outcomes in this population [29,30]. By implementing these strategies, the rising trend of sleep-related health issues among working professionals may be effectively addressed, fostering a healthier and more productive workforce.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Acknowledgements

None.

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