Professor MING Wai Kit’s Team Highlights Sleep Health Concerns Among Hong Kong Children in RTHK Interviews

April 29, 2026

Professor MING Wai Kit’s Team Highlights Sleep Health Concerns Among Hong Kong Children in RTHK Interviews

April 29, 2026

Professor MING Wai Kit, an Associate Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), and his student Miss YIM Lai recently presented new research findings on sleep patterns among primary school children in two live interviews on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). The programmes-broadcast to both Chinese- and English-speaking audiences-aired on Millennium (RTHK Radio 1) on 21 April 2026 and Backchat (RTHK Radio 3) on 23 April 2026.

Prof. MING Wai Kit and JCI Peninsula discuss a primary students’ sleep survey in an RTHK Radio 3 interview. (Source: RTHK)

Their media coverage followed a press conference held on 18 April 2026, where the research team, in collaboration with JCI Peninsula, unveiled results from a territory-wide survey conducted between February and March 2026. The study analysed nearly 1,000 questionnaires completed by children aged 6 to 11 and their parents, assessing sleep duration, daily routines, and lifestyle factors.

Member of Professor MING’s team present research findings at the press conference. press conference on 18 April 2026 (Source: JCI Peninsula)

The findings reveal a deeply concerning and widespread sleep deficit among Hong Kong children. More than 83% of students reported sleeping fewer than 10 hours per day, placing them below widely recognised international recommendations. At the same time, over half (55%) reported spending more than 12 hours daily on study and homework-related pressure—exceeding the Education Bureau’s guidance. In addition, over 51% slept under 9 hours, suggesting that at least one in every two children may be failing to obtain adequate rest.

In the interviews, Professor MING emphasised academic pressure as the primary driver of insufficient sleep. Students, on average, spend 108.8 minutes per day on homework and revision. Over 90% also participate in supplementary tutoring or enrichment classes, adding an additional 141.2 minutes to their daily academic load. When combined with regular school schedules, this results in more than 12 hours of academic-related commitments each day.

“These figures are more than statistics; they reflect the daily reality for many families in Hong Kong,” Professor MING said. “If we want children to learn well, we must also protect the foundations of learning: sleep, wellbeing, and sustainable routines.”

He further added that sleep is integral to children’s physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional wellbeing. Chronic sleep deprivation, he cautioned, may exert durable efforts on both academic outcomes and long-term health.

The study also highlighted the role of lifestyle habits. Over 71% of children reported using electronic devices before bedtime, and around 80% stopped using them within 30 minutes of going to sleep. The researchers found that late dinner times, particularly those after 8:00 pm, were associated with a reduction in sleep duration of approximately 40 minutes.

The research forms part of the team’s broader mission to address lifestyle-related health challenges affecting primary school children in Hong Kong. Through ongoing public engagement and media outreach, the team seeks to raise health awareness and encourage healthier, more sustainable routines for families, schools, and the wider community!

“Mission RED – Guardian of Sleep” press conference on 18 April 2026 (Source: JCI Peninsula)

Media links
[1] Radio3 Backchat Live recording (English): https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio3/programme/backchat/episode/1094469

[2] Radio1 Millennium interview recording (Chinese): https://www.rthk.hk/radio/radio1/programme/HK2000