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Aromatherapy diffusers, scented candles, and pillow sprays are the top three olfactory techniques used to sleep better.
With 95% of 400 Singapore residents interviewed suffering from poor sleep quality, it is no wonder they are trying to find solutions to sleep better.
Amongst those respondents who use sleep aids, utilising visual (sight), auditory (sound), gustatory (taste), olfactory (smell), and tactile (touch) techniques was perceived to be appealing.
Taste led the charge with 45% of respondents seeking comfort in food and drinks, namely, warm milk, chocolate, and herbal tea as the top choices for a pre-bedtime snack.
These results were shared in the OSIM Wellness Survey 2023, which found that smell and sound were equally used by 27% of respondents to facilitate sleep. These included aromatherapy diffusers, scented candles, and pillow sprays as the top three olfactory techniques used.
Listening to songs and music, as well as the sound of nature stood out for 36% and 35% of respondents, respectively when it came to sounds that aid sleep.
Touch and visual solutions were utilised by 20% of respondents. Among these, 38% were drawn to massages and 29% believed in warm showers, while 20% viewed scenic images as beneficial.
Dream of achieving uninterrupted sleep?
To achieve the dream of a good night’s rest, Singaporeans have turned to various lifestyle adaptations.
- Engaging in physical activity – walking, running, yoga and stretching – was chosen by 42% of participants, topping the list.
- Seeking alone time to wind down and limiting stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol consumption was next in line chosen by 38% and 35% of respondents respectively.
- A third (30%) of respondents also turned to massages to help them relax and wind down for a restful night.
- Millennials preferred seeking alone time to reduce stress and improve sleep quality, while Gen X and Baby Boomers preferred to engage in physical activities and opted to limit the use of electronic devices.
Slightly over half of the respondents (51%) identified persistent stress and anxiety as the primary culprit behind their poor sleep. Other main barriers to achieving quality sleep include environmental factors such as noise, light, and temperature, as well as the use of electronic devices at bedtime.
Age, mental health issues and the consumption of caffeine, stimulants or alcohol were among other reasons for being sleepless in Singapore.
As a result of their poor sleep cycle, 84% of all respondents felt less equipped to carry out daily tasks. 65% suffered from low energy, 54% struggled to focus, and 50% felt exhausted. Beyond the physical, respondents battled irritability (57%), experienced increased stress and anxiety (46%), and found it more difficult to manage their emotions (44%).
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Lead image / OSIM
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