|
Heartfulness Institute coinciding with World Sleep Day 2026 observed annually on March 13 suggests that as professionals and students increasingly turn to AI tools to extend productivity and learning, sleep and quality of sleep is a casualty even without them immediately recognizing the impact. The survey was conducted with over 550+ individuals across Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Pune, Chandigarh, Thane amounts other cities/states.
The survey findings suggest a clear link between increased AI and digital exposure and poorer sleep health among respondents. Individuals with more than six hours of daily screen time show nearly 80% higher rates of sleep issues, while frequent AI users also report greater sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness.
Kamlesh D Patel, president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and global guide of Heartfulness, said the findings highlight the need to consciously balance technological advancement with inner well-being. “Sleep is not merely a biological function but a sacred opportunity for the mind and heart to rejuvenate. In today’s world our attention is constantly drawn outward through devices, information, and now artificial intelligence. While these technologies are powerful tools, they also keep the mind active far beyond the natural rhythm of the day. When we consciously create moments of inner quiet before sleep, the mind gradually settles, and the quality of rest deepens. True productivity arises not from constant activity, but from a balanced mind that is rested, calm, and centred.”
The key takeaways from the survey point to a strong association between screen exposure and sleep quality. While high screen-time users (more than 6 hours a day) make up 22.7% of the overall population, they account for a much larger 34.6% of those reporting significant sleep issues. About 20.5% of high screen-time users report fairly bad or very bad sleep, compared with 11.4% among low screen-time users. They also sleep slightly less on average (6.39 hours vs. 6.53 hours), suggesting that prolonged digital exposure may be linked to poorer sleep outcomes.
Overall, the findings suggest that limiting daily screen exposure to under six hours may help improve sleep quality, highlighting the need for further research on how AI and digital engagement influence sleep patterns.
The survey also indicates that frequent AI users report slightly higher daytime sleepiness, averaging 0.65 on a 0–3 scale, compared with 0.60 among low AI users, even though their average sleep duration remains similar (6.52 hours vs. 6.46 hours). AI interaction is highest among adults aged 25–44, with scores above 3.2 (daily usage), while the 65+ group records the lowest interaction (1.43). Sleep duration varies by age, with 15–17-year-olds getting the most sleep (7.09 hours) and the 55–64 group the least (5.64 hours).
|