More than one third of the population in China suffer from sleep disorder mainly due to work stress and an unhealthy lifestyle. [Photo: hudong.com]

The latest data shows more than one third of the population in China suffered from some form of sleep disorder mainly due to work stress and an unhealthy lifestyle.

A report published by several professional institutions, including the Chinese Sleep Research Society and the Chinese Medical Doctor Association says that around 38 percent of Chinese people are suffering from sleep disorders, much higher than the global average of 27 percent announced by the World Health Organization.

The report also says that the sleep quality of more young and middle-aged people have deteriorated over the years.

Zeng Rong is the chief physician at the Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital.

"With a faster pace of work and life, the age of people suffering from insomnia is dropping as well. Many adolescents, even pupils, come and say they have insomnia," Zeng says.

Doctor Zeng says about two thirds of her patients with insomnia suffer from depression and anxiety.

China marked World Sleep Day on Saturday, and this year's theme focused on the link between sleep and mental health.