If you feel like you’re always tired, you’re not imagining it. According to a global Sleep Cycle study, Filipinos are among the most sleep-deprived people in the world, right up there with Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Egypt. Meanwhile, countries like New Zealand average 7.5 hours of sleep per night, which still may not be enough.
We work long hours, battle relentless traffic, and juggle responsibilities that extend well past office hours. Late-night scrolling, stress, and a culture that glorifies “hustle” all play a part. But here’s the truth: running on empty isn’t a flex—it’s a health crisis.
How Sleep Deprivation is Wrecking Our Health
Filipinos have mastered the art of powering through exhaustion. But while you might feel “used to it,” your body definitely isn’t. Sleep deprivation comes with serious consequences:
💔 Heart Problems: Lack of sleep increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease—three of the leading causes of death in the Philippines.
🧠 Slower Brain Function: Studies show that two weeks of sleeping six hours a night slows your brain as much as two consecutive all-nighters.
⚖️ Weight Gain & Metabolism Issues: Poor sleep messes with your hunger hormones, making you crave sugar and carbs.
😞 Mood & Mental Health Issues: Ever feel cranky after just one bad night’s sleep? Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to anxiety and depression.
🚗 Increased Risk of Accidents: Sleep deprivation slows reflexes, making drowsy driving as dangerous as drunk driving.
Why Filipinos Sleep So Little
We know sleep is important, but why do Filipinos get so little of it?
⏳ Overwork & Hustle Culture – Many Filipinos work overtime or have side hustles to make ends meet, sacrificing sleep for productivity.
🚗 Long Commutes & Traffic – Metro Manila’s traffic congestion means waking up at 4 AM just to make it to work on time.
📱 Excessive Screen Time – Many of us scroll social media before bed, exposing ourselves to blue light that disrupts melatonin production (the sleep hormone).
🕰️ Late-Night Lifestyle – A lot of Filipinos stay up watching Netflix, playing games, or chatting online—cutting into valuable sleep time.
🛏️ Irregular Sleep Schedules – Work shifts, social obligations, and inconsistent sleep patterns throw off our body clocks.
How to Get Better Sleep (Even with a Busy Life)
Let’s be real—you probably won’t magically get 9 hours of sleep every night. But small changes can help improve sleep quality:
🕒 Set a Regular Bedtime – Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your body clock.
📵 Limit Screen Time Before Bed – Try avoiding your phone 30-60 minutes before sleeping.
☕ Watch Your Caffeine Intake – Avoid coffee or milk tea after 3 PM.
🌿 Create a Wind-Down Routine – Try reading, stretching, or meditating instead of scrolling TikTok at night.
💡 Use Dim Lighting at Night – Soft lighting prepares your body for sleep.
Sleep is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
Many of us wear exhaustion like a badge of honor, but the reality is good sleep isn’t a privilege—it’s a health necessity. If we want to perform better, think clearer, and live longer, we need to stop glorifying sleep deprivation and start making rest a priority.
How many hours of sleep do you actually get? Let us know, join our community.
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