It shows one-third of people are getting only six hours of sleep, particularly women aged 55 to 64.
When it comes to alcohol, 73pc of people over 15 drank in the last year.
This was up from 70pc in 2023, but still lower than before the pandemic at 75pc, the Department of Health’s Healthy Ireland survey showed.
Overall, 28pc binge drink in a typical session, up from 24pc last year, and the bigger increase is seen in men.
Men aged 15 to 24 are the age group most likely to binge drink, as well as those in a job and students.
Another area of concern is lack of adequate exercise, with only 41pc reporting that they meet the guideline to be moderately active for at least 150 minutes a week.
Physical activity was last measured in 2019, when 46pc of the population met the guidelines. Only two-thirds of those who are not hitting the weekly target said they would like to be more active.
The survey found 17pc of the population are smokers, with 14pc lighting up daily and 4pc occasionally.
More than four in 10 carers said they had a long-term condition versus 36pc of the general population
The highest rate of smoking is among 25- to 34-year-olds at 20pc, but that is a drop from 32pc in 2015. Smoking rates among men at 20pc are higher than for women at 15pc.
The increase in vaping seems to have plateaued, with 8pc using them daily or occasionally. Thirteen per cent reported they have tried them in the past, but no longer use them.
For the first time, the survey looked at Covid and long-Covid, with two-thirds saying they are aware they caught the virus since the start of the pandemic.
More than nine in 10 people who report having had the virus said they returned to their usual health after infection.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – December 4th
Seven per cent said they had symptoms of long-Covid at some point and 3pc were diagnosed with the condition by their doctor.
The survey also highlighted the health toll on the more than half-a-million people who give regular, unpaid personal care to friends and family who have a long-term illness, health problems or a disability.
More than four in 10 carers said they themselves had a long-term condition versus 36pc of the general population.
There was evidence of higher levels of illnesses and limitations among parents looking after a child with illness or disability. The report suggested the demands of caring, both physical and mental, can exacerbate existing health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones.
Just 28pc consume the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day
Evidence showed the proportion identifying as carers has increased steadily from 9pc in 2019 to 10pc in 2022, and 12pc last year to a current level of 14pc.
The survey also examined the state of the nation’s mental health overall and found the average positive mental health score among the population is 66.3, up from 65.3 last year. The average positive mental health score remains lower than when first measured in 2016 at 67.8, but continues to improve in comparison to the lowest score of 62.4, reported in 2021 during Covid restrictions.
Data showed the percentage of the population with a probable mental health problem (12pc) remains higher than in 2016 when it was 10pc, but has improved by 3pc since 2021.
The percentage of the population rating their quality of life as very good or good stands at 86pc, unchanged since last year and up from 74pc during the pandemic. The proportion of people who rate their health good or very good is 81pc, compared with 85pc nearly a decade ago.
Despite the sugar tax, the consumption of fizzy drinks at least once a week has risen to 32pc compared with 29pc pre-pandemic.
There was a small reduction in the numbers eating fruit and vegetables every day, while just 28pc of the population now consume the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day, down from 34pc in 2019.
Interim chief medical officer Professor Mary Horgan said that overall the trends in the survey are encouraging, particularly the numbers reporting good health and good quality of life.
“We have made good progress in recent years, with notable measures including the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill and the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, which aim to reduce alcohol and nicotine-related harm.”
She also pointed to the “continued, gradual improvements in mental health measurements since the height of pandemic restrictions in 2021”.
“Funding of almost €1.5bn has been allocated to mental health services for 2025, facilitating a focus on child and youth mental health as well as mental health promotion and early intervention initiatives,” Prof Horgan said.