Majority of respondents also have at least one 'sickie impulse' monthly
The majority of employees in Hong Kong have considered calling in sick to work due to lack of sleep and stress, according to a new report.
Health and wellness firm Adrien Gagnon recently polled 540 employees in Hong Kong to determine their stress triggers and sleep challenges.
It found that 82% of the respondents have considered taking sick leave to take a breather. Among them, 81% cited sleep deprivation and 64% cited overwhelming stress.
"Additionally, 64% of respondents reported having at least one 'sickie' impulse per month, a sign that stress has deeply impacted their mental and physical health," the report added.
According to the findings, Monday is the most preferred day to take a "sickie," as cited by 43%. This is followed by:
The lack of sleep among Hong Kong respondents stems from two potential issues, according to the report. It found that 64% of employees have trouble falling asleep, while 81% wake easily.
On the other hand, almost 60% of employees experience both sleep problems simultaneously, according to the findings.
Psychiatrist Raymond Ka Yau Wong noted that both are different sleep disorders.
"Difficulty falling asleep is usually stress-related, while waking easily may be linked to melatonin levels," Wong said in a statement. "To tackle both sleep problems effectively, one must manage stress and regulate melatonin to improve the sleep cycle and overall sleep quality."
According to the psychiatrist, those suffering from both sleeping problems may benefit from melatonin supplements with a "dual action release" formula.
"These supplements provide an initial fast release to help you fall asleep, followed by a slow, sustained release that maintains melatonin levels overnight, tackling both early and mid-sleep disturbances," he said.
Meanwhile, another reason for taking sickies is overwhelming stress, with 76% saying they felt more stressed this year than last year.
According to the report, 91% of employees are stressed from work, while 83% feel a sense of helplessness.
As a result, employees dealing with stress have sleep problems (78%), irritability (58%), and loss of motivation (40%). Others reported lower work efficiency (34%) and social withdrawal (33%), according to the report.
Despite these consequences, 40% of employees feeling stressed said they are not addressing it and are hoping that it will resolve itself.
"Stress-related sleep problems need timely attention. Prolonged avoidance of stress without proper relief could worsen the condition, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and further deterioration in sleep quality," Wong said.
