MOH Survey: 2 In 5 Malaysians Do Not Get Enough Sleep Every Single Day
Sleep deprivation is more common in urban areas as compared to rural areas.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 17 May 2024, 11:49 AM
Two in five adult Malaysians, or 38%, do not get enough sleep, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 has revealed
The survey, conducted by the Health Ministry (MOH), explained that insufficient sleep is linked to the prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, depression, and accidents nationwide, reported Malay Mail.
"The pandemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is the real challenge. NCDs are the leading causes of death [and] premature death.
"Distressingly, over half a million Malaysian adults were living with four NCDs all at once, [namely] diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity," said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad during the launch of the report yesterday, 16 May.
The ministry noted that the lack of sleep was more common in urban areas, with 40% of adults aged between 40 and 59 suffering from the problem.
Adults are recommended to get seven hours of sleep a day.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad at the launch of NHMS 2023 yesterday, 16 May.
Image via @KKMPutrajaya (X)The health survey also revealed that more than half of Malaysians are either overweight or obese
That is a 10% increase from 44.5% to 54.4%, comparing the data from the NHMS 2011 and the latest report, reported the New Straits Times.
Worryingly, only 4.9% of Malaysians consumed the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, while 29.9% of adults are physically inactive.
The survey involved 21,000 respondents and was conducted through face-to-face interviews, self-administered questionnaires, clinical assessments, finger prick tests, and computer-assisted telephone interviews.
