Sleep Problems in Bulgaria: 60% of Bulgarians Complain

Over 60% of Bulgarians report having sleep problems to varying degrees, and one in seven rate their sleep quality as poor. This is shown by data from a nationally representative survey on sleep problems in Bulgaria, presented in Sofia on the eve of World Sleep Day. The study was carried out by the sociological agency Global Metrics and was presented during an event organized by the newly established "For Sleep" Foundation.

The survey was conducted through a nationally representative sample and standardized face-to-face interviews, with data collected via tablets. The field work was carried out in the period from January 10 to October 13, 2025, after citizens of the country aged between 20 and 70 years, by the face-to-face method through filling out a questionnaire. A total of 1000 people took part in the study.

According to sociologist Radostina Angelova from Global Metrics, who presented the study, the topic of sleep is still not sufficiently understood in Bulgarian society. "The importance of sleep and the consequences of poor sleep hygiene are often underestimated," she pointed out.

The data show that only 13% of Bulgarians wake up feeling fresh and rested every day. About half of the respondents report that this happens only on most days, and for nearly 37%, the feeling of a full rest in the morning is rare or never experienced.

According to the results, one in five Bulgarians needs more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, with a recommended norm of about 20 minutes. One in three respondents reports waking up frequently during the night, the sociologist also noted.

Among the main factors that negatively affect sleep are the use of electronic devices before bed, watching television, and the consumption of alcohol in the evening. About half of Bulgarians use a phone, tablet, or television immediately before sleeping, and one in three consumes alcohol in the evening.

The study also notes significant social and economic consequences of poor sleep quality. According to researchers' calculations, the reduced productivity associated with lack of sleep amounts to between three and four billion euros annually, representing about 4% of the country's gross domestic product.

The data also show that Bulgarians wake up relatively early – on average around 6:46 a.m. on weekdays, with nearly half getting up before 6:30 a.m. At the same time, about 41% of them fail to reach the recommended seven hours of sleep per night.

Among the most common problems are frequent waking up during the night - 29%, difficulty falling asleep - 22%, feeling tired in the morning - 22%, and insufficient sleep - 19%. About 16% of the respondents report snoring.

During the event, the establishment of the "For Sleep" Foundation was also announced, which will work to raise awareness of sleep problems through research, educational campaigns, and public initiatives. Medical experts Dr. Petar Chipev, Dr. Petar Kalaydjiev, and Dr. Martin Stefanov participated in the discussion on the importance of healthy sleep, and the moderator of the conversation was Sibina Grigorova.

Bulgarians aged between 20 and 70 years sleep on average 7 hours and 20 minutes with a recommended seven to nine hours per night, with women sleeping on average about 15-20 minutes more than men. Experts pointed out that with age, the time of sleep decreases, but a number of other factors are also observed that strongly affect the duration and quality of sleep. Stress, excess weight, and the presence of certain health conditions have the strongest effect on sleep, the doctors were categorical.

The experts also pointed out that one of the most serious sleep problems is sleep apnea. They explained that sleep apnea is a serious disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, most often due to blockage of the airways. Symptoms include loud snoring, choking, daytime fatigue, and headaches. According to the study, a total of 12% fall into the "high risk" category of sleep apnea, and 25% fall into the "moderate risk" category.