Sleep deprivation affects thinking, eating, movement, and stress management—behaviors that are crucial for long-term health.
“Late nights, constant screen time, and 24/7 connectivity have quietly altered daily routines in Abu Dhabi. Health experts now warn that sleep—once seen as a personal lifestyle choice—is becoming a pressing public health concern. Research increasingly links poor sleep to mental health issues, chronic diseases, and a lower overall quality of life.
Authorities emphasize that the widespread nature of sleep deprivation means it can no longer be treated as an individual problem. It is now being recognized as a community-wide health challenge, impacting productivity, well-being, and long-term health outcomes.”
“Recent national data underscores the scale of the issue. A 2024 study found that almost 30% of adults in the UAE are sleep deprived, with many experiencing frequent headaches, low mood, and symptoms associated with depression. Among younger groups—especially university students—research consistently shows poor sleep quality, irregular bedtimes, and high daytime fatigue, often linked to late-night screen use and inconsistent routines.”
Health experts caution that the impact of poor sleep goes far beyond simple fatigue. Disrupted sleep patterns have been linked to anxiety, obesity, weakened immunity, and reduced performance at work and in education. Key contributors to poor sleep in urban settings include prolonged screen exposure, irregular work schedules, and the pressures of modern life.
From a public health perspective, the concern extends well beyond individual tiredness. Sleep deprivation affects how people think, eat, move, and manage stress—behaviors that are essential for long-term health.
“Sleep is one of the core pillars of preventive health,” said Dr. Shereen Khamis Al Mazrouei, Department Manager for Health Promotion at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre. “When sleep is disrupted over long periods, it impacts mental wellbeing, metabolic health, and overall quality of life.”
Sleep as a Public Health Priority
Dr. Shereen Khamis Al Mazrouei emphasized that treating sleep as a secondary issue is no longer effective. “Ongoing poor sleep shapes daily behaviors—from food choices to physical activity and stress management—which has clear implications for public health,” she said.
Global Evidence, Local Impact
International research reinforces these concerns. Long-term studies show that consistently sleeping five hours or less per night significantly increases the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Public health agencies worldwide link insufficient sleep to rising rates of obesity and mental health disorders.
Experts also highlight the ripple effect of poor sleep. Lack of rest is associated with reduced physical activity, higher consumption of convenience and energy-dense foods, and increased stress—creating cycles that are difficult to break without early awareness and support. “We often see sleep at the center of a wider pattern,” Dr. Al Mazrouei said. “When sleep is compromised, other healthy behaviors tend to decline as well.”
A Shift from Treatment to Prevention
Traditionally, sleep problems have been addressed only once they interfere with daily life. Abu Dhabi’s health strategy, however, is shifting toward prevention, encouraging healthier routines before medical intervention becomes necessary. This approach acknowledges that sleep health is influenced not just by biology but also by daily habits and environments, including digital behavior, nutrition, physical activity, and stress management.
“Improving sleep outcomes requires more than advice,” Dr. Al Mazrouei explained. “People need practical, accessible experiences that help them understand their own habits and make small, sustainable changes.” Health authorities note that this prevention-led strategy aligns with broader efforts to reduce chronic disease and improve quality of life across the population.
A Shared Responsibility
Supporting healthier sleep is increasingly framed as a collective effort. Healthcare providers, nutrition and food companies, sports organizations, and urban planners all play a role in creating environments that promote healthier routines. Across Abu Dhabi, sleep is being integrated into wider wellbeing initiatives: healthcare providers are including sleep assessments in early health management, nutrition programs reinforce the role of balanced diets and hydration, and community sports infrastructure is expanding access to physical activity—closely linked to better sleep quality.
“Sleep does not exist in isolation,” Dr. Al Mazrouei said. “It is closely connected to how people live their everyday lives.”
Bringing Sleep into Everyday Life
Community engagement has been a key focus, with initiatives such as the Festival of Health translating health science into practical, everyday experiences. Held across multiple locations—including Hudayriyat Island, Madinat Zayed Park in Al Dhafra, and Al Jahili Park in Al Ain—the festival offered interactive workshops and expert-led discussions exploring the connections between sleep, mental wellbeing, movement, and nutrition. Residents and families were encouraged to reflect on their routines and take simple steps to improve sleep as part of a healthier lifestyle.
