A new study has put a price tag on sleep deprivation. Believe it or not, it costs the U.S. workforce around $411 billion annually. That amount accounts for over two percent of the country’s GDP.
Sleep deprivation leads to the loss of 1.2 million working days due to employees’ missing work or working not to the full capacity.
Advertisement
There is also a higher risk of death among those who suffer from sleep deprivation.
Lead author Marco Hafner said, “Our study shows that the effects from a lack of sleep are massive. Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual’s health and well-being but has a significant impact on a nation’s economy, with lower productivity levels and a higher mortality risk among workers. Improving individual sleep habits and duration has huge implications, with our research showing that simple changes can make a big difference. For example, if those who sleep under six hours a night increase their sleep to between six and seven hours a night, this could add $226.4 billion to the U.S. economy.”
The U.S. takes the biggest hit when it comes to the effects of sleep deprivation, compared to other developed countries. Japan came in second with $138 billion in loses annually. Germany loses about $60 billion a year, the U.K. $50 billion, and Canada coming last on the list with only $21 billion.
Finding effective ways for improving sleep is important for reducing loses as a result of sleep deprivation. Making public awareness campaigns about the importance of sleep may be a good place to start.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
