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March 14 marks World Sleep Day, established by the World Sleep Society to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep and the prevention of sleep-related disorders. Each year, commemorative events are held across more than 70 member countries, including South Korea. The Korean Society of Sleep Research recently released a report highlighting various sleep statistics, including average sleep duration and the risks associated with sleep deprivation among Koreans.

Shin Won-chul, President of the Korean Society of Sleep Research and a professor of neurology at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, emphasized, “Sleep disorders can lead to physical, mental, and cognitive problems. Sleep should be addressed as a public health issue and managed at the governmental level.”

Average Sleep Duration in Korea Falls Short of 7 Hours

According to the “2024 Sleep Status of Koreans” report, the average sleep duration among Koreans is 18% lower than the average across OECD countries. Koreans sleep an average of 6 hours and 58 minutes per night, falling short of the recommended minimum of 7 hours for adults. This indicates that many Koreans suffer from chronic sleep deprivation.

On average, people go to bed at 11:03 PM and wake up at 6:06 AM. Satisfaction with sleep quality and duration is only about 75% of the global average. Notably, only 7% of respondents reported getting good sleep every night, indicating generally poor sleep quality. Biologically, the optimal bedtime is between 10 PM and 11 PM.

The most common factors interfering with sleep (multiple responses allowed) were psychological stress (62.5%), followed by physical fatigue (49.8%), metabolic imbalance (29.7%), and noise (19.4%).

Sleep Deprivation Worsens Anxiety and Depression

Lack of sleep has serious health consequences. It weakens the immune system, tripling the risk of catching a cold, and increases the likelihood of obesity and diabetes. Sleeping less than 6 hours per night raises the risk of coronary artery disease by 48% and stroke by 15%.

Sleep deprivation also negatively affects mental health, reducing concentration and memory while exacerbating anxiety disorders and depression. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which breathing temporarily stops during sleep, is reported at 4.5% among adult men and 3.2% among women in Korea—further reflecting poor overall sleep quality.

Economic and Social Costs of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation leads to significant economic losses. Studies show that employee productivity can drop by more than 50%, while healthcare costs and sick leave increase, placing a heavy burden on businesses.

In the United States, sleep deprivation results in an annual economic loss of $411 billion (approximately KRW 597 trillion), equivalent to 2.28% of GDP. Japan and the United Kingdom also suffer losses of $138 billion (KRW 200 trillion) and $50 billion (KRW 72 trillion), respectively. South Korea is estimated to lose around KRW 11 trillion annually due to insufficient sleep.

Raising Awareness of Sleep Health Is Essential

Experts stress the need to increase awareness of sleep health and strengthen institutional support. Expanding sleep education in public health centers and schools, as well as implementing workplace programs to promote healthy sleep, are recommended.

Regular assessments of sleep conditions among shift workers and essential employees are also necessary, along with policy support such as expanded health insurance coverage for sleep disorder treatments and sleep apnea devices.

Individuals should also make efforts to improve their sleep habits. Going to bed and waking up at consistent times, and reducing smartphone and TV use before bedtime, can help improve sleep quality. Enhancing the sleep environment—such as using blackout curtains or playing soothing sounds like ocean waves or flowing water—can also promote better rest. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake and practicing stress management techniques like meditation or yoga are highly recommended.

Professor Shin concluded, “Sleep deprivation is not just an individual issue—it is a critical public health concern that requires collective action. When governments, businesses, and individuals work together to improve sleep, it can enhance quality of life and have positive economic impacts.”

Source: 동아일보 (https://www.donga.com/news/It/article/all/20250313/131196090/2)