New research now suggests not getting enough kip at night, whether booze-related or not, costs the nation billions and potentially robs you of that promotion.
The research, commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation and carried out by Deloitte Access Economics, says sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and a basic lack of sleep cost the economy $5.1 billion a year.
Even worse, the cost associated with loss of quality of life from not catching enough zeds is $31.4 billion, the research says.
“Picture yourself after a big night: you get to work and you’re kind of functioning, but you don’t have your usual sharp edge. We’ve all been there,” Professor David Hillman, chairman of the Sleep Health Foundation, told AAP.
“It does convert into dollars.”
Treating sleep disorders makes up a relatively small chunk of the $5.1 billion in direct costs to the economy.
The research found $270 million a year is spent on directly caring for those with sleep problems, and a further $540 million is spent on treating knock-on effects such as high blood pressure.
By far the biggest chunk—$4.3 billion—comes from lost productivity caused by absenteeism and poor work performance.
A further $650 million is lost through indirect costs such as workplace and car accidents.
Prof. Hillman, who is head of pulmonary physiology and sleep medicine at Perth’s Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and a director of the WA Sleep Disorders Research Institute, urged politicians and businesses to pay more attention to the problem.
“At the moment, there is a concentration on a healthy diet, regular exercise, alcohol moderation, and smoking,” he said.
“But a good night’s sleep isn’t there (on the agenda), and it’s got to be.”
For more information on sleep disorders, visit sleephealthfoundation.org.au.
