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Adrien Gagnon and ESDlife Survey Reveals: Nearly 60% Suffer from Both “Trouble Falling Asleep” and “Waking Easily”

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Over 80% of Employees Take Sick Leave Due to Sleep Deprivation; Mondays Are the Most Popular “Sickie” Days

  • Economic downturn: 91% of respondents feel stressed from work and life
  • 81% report frequent awakenings; 64% have trouble falling asleep – two distinct sleep problems, doctor explain
  • 78% say stress impacts sleep quality
  • 80% hope to resolve both types of sleep problems; 85% seek long-term sleep solutions
  • Dual Action Release health supplements suggested by pharmacist to tackle both sleep problems

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2025 – As the economic outlook remains gloomy, stress levels among Hongkongers continue to rise. A recent survey shows that many locals feel overwhelmed by stress, which disrupts their sleep and creates a vicious cycle that severely affects both their emotional well-being and physical health. In light of this, Adrien Gagnon commissioned ESDlife to conduct the “Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey” in May 2025. The online survey interviewed 540 respondents in Hong Kong to examine sleep challenges and stress triggers. The goal was to raise awareness about sleep health and stress management, and to guide the public toward natural, long-lasting solutions to improve both “difficulty falling asleep” and “waking easily.”

Dr. Ka Yau Raymond Wong, Specialist in Psychiatry (center), Mr. Ian Cheung, Registered Pharmacist (left), and Ms. Casey Chow, Head of Media Business at ESDlife (right) participated in the “Hong Kong Sleep and Stress Survey” press conference.

81% of Workers Skip Work Due to Sleep Deprivation
Mondays Most Common for Sick Leave as Employees Create Their Own Mini-Holidays

Under mounting pressure, many employees admit to “calling in sick” just to take a breather. The survey reveals that 82% have considered taking sick leave simply to avoid work. Among them, 81% cited sleep deprivation, while 64% blamed overwhelming stress. Additionally, 64% of respondents reported having at least one “sickie” impulse per month, a sign that stress has deeply impacted their mental and physical health. When asked about their preferred sick days, the top choices were Mondays (43%), after long holidays (25%), Fridays (24%), the day after working overtime (24%), and rainy or cold days (18%). (See Table 1)

64% Struggle to Fall Asleep, 81% Wake Easily
Nearly 60% Suffer from Both Sleep Problems; 80% Seek Dual-Solution Treatments
Sleep problems top the list of modern-day work-life struggles. Among respondents, 64% reported trouble falling asleep, and a significant 81% said they wake up easily. Almost 60% experience both sleep problems simultaneously. However, 77% said they lack effective methods to address both sleep problems at once. A full 80% expressed a desire for dual action release solutions.

Psychiatrist Dr. Ka Yau Wong, Raymond explained: “Difficulty falling asleep and waking easily are two different sleep disorders. Difficulty falling asleep is usually stress-related, while waking easily may be linked to melatonin levels. Melatonin is only released in the dark, its production decreases with daylight or screen exposure. Dual action release melatonin supplements can provide extended support by releasing melatonin in two phases, helping the body fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. To tackle both sleep problems effectively, one must manage stress and regulate melatonin to improve the sleep cycle and overall sleep quality.”

91% of Hongkongers Suffer from Stress Due to Work and Life Pressures
87% Say Stress Affects Their Sleep Quality
Beyond sleep problems, the primary reason workers want to skip work is stress. The survey found that 91% of respondents are currently dealing with stress from work and life, and 83% reported a sense of helplessness. This highlights the prevalence of stress among Hongkongers. Stress was shown to cause sleep problems (78%), irritability (58%), loss of motivation (40%), lower work efficiency (34%), and even social withdrawal (33%) (see Table 2).

Alarmingly, 76% of respondents felt more stressed this year than last, yet 40% admitted they are not addressing it and simply hoping it will resolve itself. Meanwhile, 87% noted that stress has negatively impacted their sleep quality. Dr. Wong warned: “Stress-related sleep problems needs timely attention. Prolonged avoidance of stress without proper relief could worsen the condition, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and further deterioration in sleep quality.”

85% Seek Long-Lasting Sleep Solutions
Pharmacist Recommend Dual Action Release Supplements for Dual Sleep Problems
With nearly 60% experiencing both difficulty falling asleep and waking easily, 85% of respondents said they are looking for long-lasting sleep solutions. Registered pharmacist Mr. Ian Cheung advised: “Those dealing with dual insomnia problems may benefit from melatonin supplements with a ‘dual action release’ formula for comprehensive effect. These supplements provide an initial fast release to help you fall asleep, followed by a slow, sustained release that maintains melatonin levels overnight, tackling both early and mid-sleep disturbances. Some dual action release melatonin products combine Western herbal ingredients to address stress-related insomnia. If your sleep problems are caused by stress, consider formulas that include calming Western herbs.”

Nearly 60% Are Aware of Western Herbs for Stress Relief
72% Will Consider Herbal Supplements for Stress Reduction
When it comes to stress and sleep improvement, most respondents prefer natural solutions. “Western herbs like Eschscholzia californica and Hops are scientifically proven to ease stress and anxiety,” Cheung explained. “They can help improve sleep quality and are suitable for those who prefer natural remedies. Reducing stress naturally can prevent work avoidance and maintain daily function.”

The survey also revealed that 59% of respondents were aware that Western herbal supplements can aid in sleep and stress relief. When selecting health supplements, 63% prefer Western brands, and 72% are willing to try herbal ingredients for stress relief. Cheung added, “If symptoms persist despite using natural products, professional medical consultation should be considered.”

For more information, please visit:
https://www.adriengagnon.com.hk/en/product?category=sleep-and-stress&group=

Appendix
Table 1: Most Popular Days for Taking Sick Leave (“Sickies”)

Most Popular Days for Taking Sick Leave (“Sickies”) Percentage
Monday 43%
After long holidays 25%
Friday 24%
Day after working overtime 24%
Rainy/cold days 18%
Wednesday 15%
Meeting-heavy days 11%
Thursday 9%
Deadline days 8%
Tuesday 7%

* Multiple answers allowed

Table 2: Impact of Stress on Sleep and Daily Life

Stress Symptoms Percentage
Sleep problems / insomnia 78%
Irritability 58%
Wanting to skip work 47%
Loss of motivation 40%
Lower work efficiency 34%
Social withdrawal 33%

* Multiple answers allowed

Table 3: Key Factors in Choosing Western Herbal Supplements

Consideration Percentage
Product safety and certification 28%
Ingredient transparency 22%
Effectiveness & longevity (e.g., dual action release) 11%

* Multiple answers allowed

Hashtag: #AdrienGagnon

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Adrien Gagnon

Founded in 1946 by renowned naturopathy expert Mr. Adrien Gagnon, the ADRIEN GAGNON brand is one of the renowned and sizable natural health companies with long history in Quebec, Canada. With more than 160 products on the market, ADRIEN GAGNON brand is synonymous with high quality and has repeatedly set the bar for superior health products in terms of value, selection and brand recognition. ADRIEN GAGNON’s plant in Canada is accredited with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). ADRIEN GAGNON has become one of the trusted health supplement brands

About ESDlife

ESDlife, a joint venture of CK Hutchison (formerly Hutchison Whampoa) and Hewlett-Packard HK SAR, operates the award-winning website (www.esdlife.com) and establishes it as one of the most popular and trusted online lifestyle media in Hong Kong. The online platform of ESDlife is furnished with a wide range of lifestyles information under the categories of Wedding, Family, Health and Anniversary. In addition to the prominent No. 1 position of its Wedding Channel in Hong Kong, an e-commerce platform is provided to consumers by offering medical check-up ordering services. ESDlife also delivers integrated marketing and digital solutions to diversified corporate clients.

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GIA Acquires 30% Shareholding in Diamond Provenance Blockchain Platform Tracr

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Investment by leading industry institute supports Tracr’s evolution to becoming an independent, industry-wide platform for natural diamond provenance

LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2026 – De Beers Group and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement for GIA to acquire a 30 per cent shareholding in Tracr, the De Beers Group-backed company behind the development of the pioneering diamond provenance blockchain-driven platform.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in Tracr’s evolution towards independence and reflects GIA’s confidence in the platform’s role as an industry-wide infrastructure to advance natural diamond provenance and traceability at scale.

GIA’s investment – which builds on a 2023 initiative to include diamond provenance information registered on Tracr’s platform on eligible GIA diamond grading reports – represents a significant step in this transition, reinforcing Tracr’s long-term credibility across the diamond value chain.

Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: “Consumers deserve to know where their diamonds come from and they should feel more confident in their understanding of each diamond’s source. At De Beers we have been providing provenance data on diamonds through Tracr for several years and we believe that delivering provenance should become an industry standard. Following our promise to open Tracr up to broad ownership, we are proud to be partnering with GIA as Tracr evolves into an independent, industry-wide platform. We will work alongside GIA to advance provenance transparency for the entire diamond sector.”

Pritesh Patel, President and CEO of GIA, said: “At GIA, our mission has always been rooted in trust, integrity, and consumer confidence. Our collaboration with Tracr over the past several years reinforced our belief that combining source-based blockchain provenance with GIA’s independent grading and identification expertise can help unlock a new level of transparency for the diamond industry. As Tracr continues to scale globally, we see a tremendous opportunity to deliver meaningful, verifiable provenance information from the source to the consumer. We are proud to deepen our commitment through this investment and help shape the next evolution of transparency, traceability, and trust across our industry.”

Jillian Wolk, CEO of Tracr, said: “The start of Tracr’s evolution into an independent platform, as a result of GIA’s investment, creates a strong foundation for the future. I am excited to continue scaling the platform and bringing more producers on board, which will support Tracr in enabling the individual journey of every registered diamond to come to life. Each stone carries its own narrative, defined by its source and the craftsmanship that has shaped it, and as Tracr continues to grow we have a fantastic opportunity to help reveal those unique stories.”

De Beers has been developing Tracr since 2018 and it is now a leading distributed diamond blockchain platform that starts at the source, registering diamonds at the point of recovery. In 2023, De Beers opened the platform to the wider diamond industry, positioning Tracr as an industry-wide, scalable solution for rough-to-polish verification of natural diamond provenance, which starts at a stone’s source.

Today, more than five million rough diamonds have been registered on Tracr at source, representing around two-thirds of De Beers’rough diamond production by value. Since January 2025, single country of origin for De Beers diamonds has been available on Tracr, with all newly sourced De Beers rough diamonds of one carat and above being registered on the platform.

Hashtag: #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #GIA #Tracr





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo-American plc group. For further information, visit.

About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.

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Smart Design Global 2026 Awards Presentation Ceremony Proudly Unveils 52 Original Award-Winning Designs International Tour Highlights Hong Kong’s Creative Design Power

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Set to Appear at Bangkok Mega Show and Paris Maison&Objet

HONG KONG SAR –

About The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association

Founded in 1955, The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (The HKEA) is a non-profit making trade association registered under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance as a company limited by guarantee. The HKEA is committed to creating new business opportunities and enhancing market value for Hong Kong exporters, aiming to position Hong Kong as a premier trading hub. The HKEA focuses on serving the industry and taking export trade as its core value, helping members expand their business by closely liaising with the government, initiating different projects, and organising seminars, business gatherings, business delegation trips and exhibitions. The HKEA also disseminate the latest local and international trade information and provides online product display and search services for additional publicity, to further promote Hong Kong’s export trade and enhance market competitiveness.

The HKEA website:

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

CCIDA’s website:

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

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Disney Garden of Wonder blooms to life again at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay with all-new character topiaries

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The second edition of the popular topiary showcase introduces an interactive area starring Disney’s Frozen, and more beloved Disney and Pixar character dioramas including Toy Story 5 and Disney Princess

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 June 2026 – Disney magic blooms anew at Singapore’s premier horticultural destination Gardens by the Bay as the second edition of Disney Garden of Wonder, opens today. Featuring 23 vibrant topiaries inspired by beloved Disney and Pixar characters, the enchanting showcase transforms Floral Fantasy into a world of floral artistry and imagination through 14 March 2027.

Beauty and the Beast

Organised in collaboration with Disney and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Disney Garden of Wonder is inspired by Disney and Pixar stories that have charmed generations of fans around the world, inviting people of all ages to re-discover their favourite stories of courage, kindness, friendship and love through the beauty of plants. Following the success of its debut at Gardens by the Bay in 2024, the enthralling floral showcase returns in an even more special second edition.

Anna and Olaf from Frozen
Anna and Olaf from Frozen

Visitors can look forward to five themed areas:

  • Frozen, in which topiary versions of Anna, Elsa and Olaf preside over an enchanting snowy landscape, brought to life through themed lighting that imagines a frost-kissed world of wonder. Inspired by Elsa’s Ice Palace, visitors can step on a floor where magical snowflakes dance and respond to movement.
  • Disney princesses, where Rapunzel appears alongside her best friend Pascal the chameleon; Belle is with the Beast and their enchanted companions; and Jasmine is accompanied by her loyal tiger Rajah.
  • Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger gather in a cheerful party scene. Tigger bounces up and down while Piglet twirls, and visitors can picture themselves joining everyone at the table!
  • Toy Story 5, where Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear appear as topiaries in a playful setting inspired by Bonnie’s Room, alongside displays of new characters Lilypad and Smarty Pants.
  • Go Local, a Singaporean-themed zone where Disney characters are reimagined in familiar local settings. Chip ‘n Dale perch atop a giant ice cream sandwich; Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck share the spicy rice noodle dish laksa; and Mickey Mouse makes the traditional beverage teh tarik with Donald Duck.

Outside Floral Fantasy, a 4m-tall Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey marks the entrance and welcomes visitors to Gardens by the Bay.

The hand-assembled topiaries are crafted from more than 40 species of preserved and dried floral materials, which took more than 16,000 man hours.

Each material was selected for its colour, texture and form, helping to reflect each character’s features. Plenty of flowers are used for the Disney princesses for example, while Rapunzel’s hair is crafted from Stipa, a perennial grass that has fluffy or oat-like flowerheads.

The surrounding landscapes also use plant palettes that reflect the mood of each zone — sunflowers and marigolds reflect the honey-toned meadow setting of Winnie the Pooh, while lilies and roses bring out the romantic and jewel-toned settings of Disney Princess stories. Hydrangeas and dusty miller evoke the icy blues, whites and silvers of Frozen.

Throughout the duration of Garden of Wonder, visitors can enjoy select weekend Meet and Greet sessions with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in outfits inspired by Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Donald Duck and Daisy Duck will also join the experience on select weekends, dressed for a sunny getaway on our tropical island. Meet and Greet dates are available at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/disneygardenofwonder.

Visitors can round off their experience with shopping at the gift shop, which carries items launching exclusively at Disney Garden of Wonder.

Disney Garden of Wonder
Date: 8 June 2026 to 14 March 2027
Time: 10am to 9pm
Venue: Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay
Details: Tickets are priced at SG$24 for adults and SG$16 for children
Getting here: Take the MRT to Bayfront station. Alternatively, drop off at the Bayfront Plaza carpark via taxi or ride-hailing service. More information available here.

Hashtag: #DisneyGardenofWonder #FloralFantasy #GardensbytheBay




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Gardens by the Bay

An integral part of Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.

Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens’ extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.

Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 115 million visitors and garnered numerous international accolades including the third Top Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2024, Best Theme Attraction at TTG Travel Awards 2022 and 2023, and Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms.

For more information, visit .

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