Moita, a doctor from the Hospital and University Centre of Coimbra (CHUC) said Portuguese and European citizens gave sleep "little importance" and placed greater importance on work and leisure.

People in Portugal sleep "little and badly," he said, adding that this led to cognitive and physical health problems.

APS is celebrating world sleep day in Coimbra on 15 March with a round table on the representation of sleep in the books of major recognised religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam).

Moita said that looking at religions, all of them had many points in common and gave sleep great importance.