Why Dubai and Sharjah Residents Sleep Less
Why Sharjah and Dubai Residents Sleep Less?
Two emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah and Dubai, have been ranked among the world's least sleeping cities in 2024 according to data from a smart device manufacturer. Data collected by the company Whoop, maker of wearable devices, shows that the residents of Sharjah and Dubai rank low in sleep quality, yet they achieve outstanding results in the proportion of restful REM sleep. This duality provides an interesting insight into the region's sleeping habits.
Global Sleep Quality Comparison
Whoop's Marketing Director, Stephan Muller, stated that the UAE ranks third worst in the world in terms of sleep performance, with an average score of 74%. Sharjah tops the global list with the lowest sleep performance, averaging only 72.9%, followed by Dubai and Jeddah.
Despite all this, the UAE stands out with its proportion of REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep): residents spend 22% of their sleep in this stage, which is the second-highest globally, after India. REM sleep is one of the most important phases of rest and physical-mental regeneration. According to Stephan Muller, although the UAE residents sleep little, a significant part of their sleep is spent in the REM phase, which can help maintain mental clarity and regeneration.
Nightlife and Circadian Rhythms
According to data, the nightlife significantly contributes to less sleep in the region. For example, the residents of Sharjah go to sleep at an average of 1:58 AM, while Saudi Arabian cities like Jeddah and Riyadh have even later average bedtimes of 2:31 AM and 2:26 AM, respectively. Matteo Franceschetti, co-founder and CEO of Eight Sleep, believes this late-night lifestyle disrupts the natural circadian rhythm, making regeneration difficult.
Disruption of circadian rhythms increases stress levels, which can initiate a vicious cycle. This not only endangers mental and physical health but also increases the risk of chronic diseases. Nightlife and stimulation from modern technology, such as screen use, further exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to reduced sleep duration.
Why is REM Sleep Important?
REM sleep is a crucial element of rest, closely associated with creativity, emotional processing, and overall mental health. Although the residents of Sharjah and Dubai sleep less, the fact that a significant portion of their sleep occurs during the restful REM phase may help mitigate the negative effects of the limited sleep quantity. This is particularly important in a region where stressful lifestyles are common.
What Can We Learn from the UAE's Example?
The UAE's example highlights that sleep quality does not solely depend on the number of hours spent sleeping. The structure of sleep, especially the proportion of REM sleep, greatly influences health and regeneration. While late-night lifestyles and modern living contribute to less sleep, the UAE residents demonstrate that a suitable proportion of restful sleep can compensate for shorter sleep duration.
The key is finding a balance between the challenges of modern life and natural rhythms, which can improve mental and physical health in the long term. Being conscious of sleep habits and making small lifestyle changes can have a significant positive impact on daily life quality.
