Even after a full night’s sleep, many still feel unrefreshed or wake up at dawn… yet only 6% of Koreans seek treatment for sleep problems.
Many people struggle with sleep issues—waking up during the night or not feeling refreshed even after a full night’s rest. However, only about 6% of Koreans seek treatment for these problems.
A recent survey found that 9 out of 10 Koreans experienced sleep-related issues within the past month. Yet, only a small fraction pursued medical care.
According to a study conducted by Eisai Korea on March 15, in conjunction with World Sleep Day (March 13), 89% of 500 respondents aged 19 to 69 reported experiencing sleep problems in the past month. Among them, 58% said their symptoms had persisted for more than six months.
In terms of sleep duration, 38% reported sleeping 6 to 7 hours per night, while 31% slept 5 to 6 hours. Only 20% said they get more than 7 hours of sleep, meaning that 80% of respondents sleep less than the recommended amount. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Notably, 11% reported sleeping less than 5 hours.
The most common type of sleep issue was waking up during the night (58%), followed by not feeling refreshed despite adequate sleep (44%), tossing and turning (38%), and difficulty falling asleep (28%). Sleep problems varied by age group: people in their 20s and 30s were more likely to report unrefreshing sleep, while those in their 40s to 60s experienced more frequent nighttime awakenings.
These sleep issues significantly affect daily life. About 68% reported experiencing fatigue or drowsiness the next day, while 64% noted reduced concentration at work or school. Mood changes (62%) and memory decline (33%) were also commonly reported.
Despite these widespread issues, only 6% of respondents had received treatment. About 70% said they had never even considered seeking medical help. The main reason for avoiding treatment was not recognizing sleep problems as a medical condition (39%). Other reasons included cost concerns (23%), not knowing where to seek help (20%), and worries about side effects or medication (18%). Among those who tried to address the issue, improving sleep habits was the most common approach (45%).
Professor Ji-Hyun Kim of the Department of Neurology at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital emphasized that leaving insomnia untreated over a long period can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as physical conditions like cardiovascular disease. She added that newer treatment options with lower risks of dependence and side effects are now available, making it important to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care if symptoms persist.
Source: 한국일보 (hankookilbo.com)