People are almost twice as likely to develop long Covid if they regularly sleep less than six hours per night, even if they are double vaccinated, Hong Kong researchers who contributed to a global study have warned.

The scholars from Chinese University (CUHK) also urged everyone to prioritise getting more rest ahead of World Sleep Day on Friday, an annual event organised by the World Sleep Society.

“Many people might think sleeping is a waste of time as you don’t do anything during that time. But more and more studies have pointed out that sleeping is important,” said Professor Wing Yun-kwok, who chairs the university’s department of psychiatry, on Thursday.