SHENZHENERS generally suffer from lack of sleep or a sleeping disorder, according to Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, the Shenzhen Evening News reported.

    Data from the hospital showed that the hospital had received patients of ages ranging from 1 year old to 70s in recent years. Doctors noted that sleep problems were associated with people’s fast-paced lives, work pressure and living environment.

    Jiang Fan, the head of the hospital’s sleeping disorder department, said the symptoms of a sleeping disorder include insomnia, drowsiness, deranged sleeping rhythms and sleep apnea.

    Jiang said that there are a lot of factors that can result in sleeping disorders, but the most common problem is that many people don’t have enough time to sleep. The situation is worse for students and people who go to bed after midnight and continue to use their phone in bed.

    The doctor said that regular quality sleep is fundamental for maintaining a healthy life. Lack of sleep can worsen memory and accelerate the aging process. However, sleeping for an excessive amount of time can also harm people’s health, since when the central nervous system is in a depressed state for a long time people may feel dizzy and weak when they get up. The proper length for sleep is different for each individual depending on their age and physical condition. Normally, an adult needs to sleep about seven to eight hours a day.

    Mental illness, diseases, medication, pressure, change of living status and emotional disorder can all impact a person’s sleep.

    (Zhang Qian)