150 million

Estimated number of people with sleep problems like insomnia in the developing world, accounting for nearly 17% of adults — a rate of sleep disturbances approaching that in developed nations. The study surveyed 44,000 people aged 50 or older in eight rural populations in Africa and Asia, finding that sleep problems were strongly associated with conditions like depression and anxiety, and were more prevalent in women and in older adults, again mirroring trends in developed nations. “This new study suggests sleep disturbances might…represent a significant and unrecognized public health issue…in low-income settings,” said study author Dr. Saverio Stranges in a statement. [via University of Warwick]

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