A student studying from his home in Manila. In 2020, Philippine schools shifted to distance learning after the government banned in-person classes due to the threat of COVID-19. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Experts are urging not just the public, but the government as well, to not take the critical sleep crisis lying down.

As chronic sleep deprivation continues to threaten the health of many Filipinos, particularly with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, the call for action grows louder.

During a recent press conference, officials from the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine Inc. (PSSMI) highlighted a troubling reality: Quality sleep is often the last priority for many Filipinos.

This has placed the country at the top of Southeast Asia in terms of sleep deprivation. 

International studies further underscore the issue, ranking the Philippines fourth globally in the sleep crisis.

The problem cuts across all age groups, making it a national concern.

Dr. Rodolfo Dizon Jr., president of PSSM, explained that sleep deprivation is not always a matter of personal choice.

In many cases, it’s deeply rooted in the country’s culture, environment, and economic realities.

“More than half of the population reports sleep problems,” he said.

“We have the highest levels of noise pollution and stress, and many people are working late hours, disrupting their circadian rhythms and contributing to widespread sleep disorders.”

Dizon adds culture, lifestyle, and the environment we live in are partly to blame for the fact that almost six of every 10 Filipinos don’t get enough sleep.

“Digitalization. It’s very hard to avoid using tablets, cellphones even TV before sleeping.”

Studies have shown that blue light from our screens actually decreases the production of melatonin, or the sleep hormone.

Another reason that many miss regular sleep cycles, according to Dr. Dizon, is globalization.

The interconnectedness of different countries in terms of economic trade and livelihood has led to the rise in shift workers, or those who are awake at night and sleep during the day when a myriad of sleep disruptors are most likely present.

Experts in sleep medicine have identified the top 10 sleep distributors that affect an individual’s sleep duration and quality —noise pollution, light exposure, uncomfortable sleep surface, room temperature, poor air quality, stress and anxiety, irregular sleep schedule, caffeine and stimulants, late-night eating, and excessive screen time.

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WHY IS IT BAD?

At the outset, the effects of sleep deprivation are glaring and immediate. From struggling to process information to memory lapses, irritability, and a heightened sensitivity to pain, the consequences are hard to ignore.

For children and teenagers, the impact is even more pronounced, with their ability to learn taking a noticeable hit.

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But the fallout doesn’t stop there. As sleep deprivation continues, the body’s immune system weakens, leaving it vulnerable to a host of health problems. Over time, this chronic lack of rest can contribute to a variety of non-communicable diseases, especially as a person ages.

For those enduring chronic sleep deprivation, the risks pile up in a cascade of interconnected health issues. Weight gain and obesity are common culprits, setting the stage for serious conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Mental health also suffers, with depression emerging as a primary consequence of prolonged sleeplessness.

Cardiovascular diseases are also hastened by a condition sleep specialists refer to as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Characterized by episodes of either partial or complete airway collapse causing decreased oxygen saturation during sleep, OSA also remains largely undiagnosed in the Philippines.

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When these health challenges are not properly managed, the stakes become even higher, ultimately raising the risk of premature death.

PSSMI emphasizes that adults need between seven to nine hours of sleep, but it’s not just about the quantity—but even more so the quality. Ensuring that your sleep is restorative is key to allowing the body to fully recharge and rejuvenate.

During sleep, the body’s cells, which have been used up throughout the day, are “refilled.” Entering the deeper stages of sleep, especially Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, is crucial for this vital regenerative process to take place.

Dr. Jimmy Chang, PSSM vice president, stressed that sleep is far from just being a passive activity. In fact, it's an active process with important biological functions.

“There are certain biomechanical processes that occur during sleep. It’s when our brain washes away toxins accumulated from being awake,” he explained.

These toxins build up when sleep is chronically deprived, which can increase the risk of brain degradation and, over time, conditions like dementia.

Sleep, it turns out, is not only crucial for physical recovery but also for safeguarding our brain health.

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A SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE

With various non-communicable diseases listed as the top causes of death in the Philippines, according to Philippine Statistics Authority data, it is important to shift perspectives and look at sleep as something that actually promotes better health alongside proper diet and exercise.

Often viewed as a luxury or a "waste of time," sleep is actually a vital, life-extending process. It not only refreshes the body but also helps to prolong life, offering individuals more time to enjoy healthy years.

Unfortunately, the neglect of sleep as a key health factor is not just an issue at the individual level but a systemic one. The lack of prioritization is a major challenge.

“The main problem we have is funding because it’s not really prioritized,” Dr. Dizon said.

Local research and data on sleep medicine remain limited, especially in the aspect of OSA, sleep health, and the unique needs of shift workers—something that the PSSMI hopes to address in the future.

Currently, there is no concrete policy to raise public awareness about the importance of sleep health.

In 2023, Senate Bill 2063—known as the Sleep Disorder Awareness and Education Act—was introduced, aiming to educate Filipinos about sleep disorders and provide related health programs.

However, the bill has yet to progress through the legislative mill.

“We’re also lobbying for Philhealth coverage of sleep diagnostic. It’s somehow partly covered by Philhealth, but there are conditions set, and we’re looking forward to having wider coverage from the government for sleep diagnostics,” Dr. Dizon explained.

Testing for sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea is expensive, with public facilities charging between P15,000 and P20,000 and private hospitals reaching up to P55,000.

With only 40 to 50 sleep centers scattered across the country—most concentrated in Metro Manila—long wait times add to the difficulty.

“This highlights the magnitude of the problem of sleep conditions,” said Dr. Dizon, underscoring the urgent need for better access and more comprehensive care.

The group recognizes that though there is some sort of awareness of chronic sleep deprivation, a lot remains to be done to really push the message on the importance of getting long and quality sleep.

It is clear that the importance of good sleep goes beyond just feeling rested—just like food and water, it’s essential for survival.

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