Singaporeans are sleep-deprived and do not exercise enough: Survey

Most Singaporeans are sleep-deprived, do not exercise enough, and do not go for health screenings, according to a regional survey commissioned by AIA Singapore. -- ST FILE PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
Most Singaporeans are sleep-deprived, do not exercise enough, and do not go for health screenings, according to a regional survey commissioned by AIA Singapore. -- ST FILE PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN

Most Singaporeans are sleep-deprived, do not exercise enough, and do not go for health screenings, according to a regional survey commissioned by AIA Singapore.

The 2013 AIA Healthy Living Index, which was released on Thursday, polled more than 10,200 adults aged 18 to 65 in 15 markets across Asia including 500 adults in Singapore. The participants where asked a range of questions relating to their health and behaviour.

The results showed those surveyed here spent 36 minutes less time exercising a week compared to the regional average. Less than half of Singaporean adults polled said they had a health check-up in the last year, which is lower than the regional average of 53 per cent.

Singaporeans also fared among the worst in the region in terms of getting enough sleep. They have a "sleep gap" of 1.7 hours this year, compared to the regional average of 1.2 hours. Overall, three in four Singaporeans indicated that their health has worsened since five years ago, even among the younger age group of 18 to 29.

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