Sleep deprivation tied to mosquito menace in Eastern India, reveals survey

Kolkata: A staggering 87% of people in Eastern India believe that sleep disturbances, particularly among children, are directly affecting the health and well-being of families, according to a new survey released ahead of World Malaria Day by Goodknight, a household insecticide brand from Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL).
The nationwide survey, titled ‘One Mosquito, Countless Threats’, was conducted by research firm YouGov and shows a growing public concern over the impact of mosquito-borne diseases and sleep deprivation.
The concern is echoed across regions, with similar numbers recorded in the North, West, and South India.
Adults, the study found, are losing up to two hours of sleep nightly, while children are missing nearly four hours—largely due to mosquito bites and buzzing, which parents rank higher than illness or academic stress as a cause of disturbed sleep.
“Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance but a health threat, contributing to loss of sleep, immunity, productivity and, by extension, economic growth,” said Ashwin Moorthy, Chief Marketing Officer at GCPL.
He added that more than 40 million Indians suffer from mosquito-borne diseases annually, leading to absenteeism, medical expenses and a dip in national productivity.
Dr Kirti Sabnis, an infectious disease specialist at Fortis Hospital, echoed the concern, warning that even a single mosquito can transmit life-threatening illnesses like malaria and dengue.
“This isn’t just a personal health issue—protecting against mosquitoes is a collective responsibility,” she said.
In response to rising health risks and concerns over unregulated repellents, GCPL has developed Renofluthrin—India’s first indigenously patented molecule for mosquito control.
The new Goodknight Flash liquid vaporiser, which uses this molecule, is said to be twice as effective as other registered formulations currently in the market.
The company says it will continue innovating to combat the growing mosquito threat and support healthier, more productive lives across the country.