“Sleep Deprivation Crisis in Quintana Roo: Workers and Youth Struggling for Rest”

In Quintana Roo, a region known for its bustling nightlife, long work hours are leading many to sacrifice sleep. This is impacting both their leisure time and their ability to manage household tasks. According to health sector data, 60% of residents over the age of 16 are experiencing sleep procrastination and insomnia. This is negatively impacting their quality of life and work performance.

The primary reasons for this sleep disorder are the need to delay rest to complete tasks that couldn't be done during the day, and the inclination of young people to partake in the region's vibrant nightlife. Recent surveys revealed that seven out of ten young people are sleeping just five hours a day on average. When asked why, most responded that they prefer to socialize at bars or private parties three or four times a week.

The majority of these individuals reside in tourist hotspots like Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos. These areas are known for their intense nighttime activity catering to tourists. It's important to note that 67% of the region's young people live and work in these areas, often in bars and nightclubs. As a result, not resting at night has become the norm for them.

However, sleep procrastination is not limited to the young. Many individuals over 30 also delay sleep due to long work hours that prevent them from completing certain tasks. Six out of ten residents in the northern municipalities reported that their work and commute times keep them out of their homes from 6 am until 9 pm. When they do get home, they have to catch up on postponed activities like house cleaning, further delaying their rest.

Carmen Ramírez, a labor psychologist and specialist from Integral Services in Psychology, explained that lack of sleep and rest can reduce staff productivity by at least 30%. It also leads to high stress levels, physical and mental fatigue, and irritability. Over time, this can result in health issues like high blood pressure, facial paralysis, gastritis, and nervous colitis. These health problems can be exacerbated by other pressures, such as financial difficulties and poor nutrition.