The survey involved 5,600 respondents ages 35-65 years across 25 cities in the country that had a population of at least 5 lakh.  The survey found that 93 percent of the respondents were sleep deprived with 11 percent admitting to falling asleep at work to catch up on sleep.

Furthermore 74 percent woke up at least one to three times during the night due to stress, hearing some noise or to answer call of the nature."As many as 87 percent of Indians agreed that they were aware that lack of sleep affects their health but very few visited a doctor," the survey revealed.

Alarmingly the survey also found some 62 percent of the respondents to be at high risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The latter is a condition where breathing ceases causing the person to wake up multiple times during a sleep cycle. OSA is linked to heart disease and also worsens existing heart failure.

Anjan Bose, vice president of Philips Healthcare India, said sleep was not optional, but was critical for overall health. Phillips has announced that it will set up 130 sleep labs in India to spread awareness about sleep disorders.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that adults get between seven and eight hours of nightly sleep. Some of the things you can do to get good sleep include:
* Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.
* Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine before going to bed
* Follow a consistent bedtime routine.
* Do not go to bed hungry
* Do not exercise within six hours of your bedtime.
* Do not take your worries to sleep with you.