About 38.2 percent of the Chinese adults suffer from insomnia, a higher rate than that in the developed countries, according to a survey released by China Sleep Research Society Sunday.

The number insomniacs suffering depression is three times that of people who are not afflicted with the sleep disorder. People suffering from depression who also have serious problems with sleeping are also more likely to commit suicide, according to the symposium held by the society marking the World Sleep Day that falls on March 21.

Occasional insomnia may cause fatigue and behavior disorders, but constant insomnia may result in confusion and difficulties in memorizing and organizing tasks, doubling the possibility of accidents, according to the survey.

Insomnia may also make a person overly sensitive and even cause psychological problems. The number of insomniacs who also suffer from depression have been increasing among middle-aged people and college students, resulting in a rising rate of suicide and posing threats to family and social stability.

In addition, insomnia may affect people's immune system and ability to recover from illness. It may also worsen or induce heart and high blood pressure, according to the society.

About 60 percent of adult Beijingers have suffered sleep disorders in the past 12 months, according to another survey conducted in Beijing.

Beijingers seem to suffer more sleeping problems, probably as a result of a fast-paced society.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2006)