The Sleepless Economy: The High Costs of Losing Shut Eye

2024-05-09

Australians have a sleeping problem. The most conservative estimates show one in 10 have a sleep disorder, which is having an impact on their safety, wellbeing and productivity.This ends up costing almost a $1 billion a week. And that’s not all. The total cost of inadequate sleep is thought to be as high as $75 billion a year.We’re not alone either. International research shows places like the US, the UK and Europe are facing similar problems, with similar costs.Guests:Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, Chair of ...

Australians have a sleeping problem. The most conservative estimates show one in 10 have a sleep disorder, which is having an impact on their safety, wellbeing and productivity.

This ends up costing almost a $1 billion a week. And that’s not all. The total cost of inadequate sleep is thought to be as high as $75 billion a year.

We’re not alone either. International research shows places like the US, the UK and Europe are facing similar problems, with similar costs.

Guests:

Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, Chair of the Sleep Health Foundation

Professor Ron Grunstein, The Woolcock Institute

Wendy Troxel, The Rand Corporation

Zafina Ademi, Health Economist, Monash University

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