Key takeaways

The report was commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation to highlight the impact of sleep disorders. The report provides evidence for three common sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

• Around 1 in 10 Australians have a sleep disorder that can substantially affect their wellbeing, safety and productivity
• The economic cost of sleep disorders exceeded $14.4 billion in 2019-20, and the reduction in wellbeing for people affected by sleep disorders was valued at $36.6 billion - due to short and long-term disability, and premature death
• Productivity losses account for the majority of the economic cost, estimated at $11 billion. This includes reduced productivity at work stemming from poor sleep
• Almost 1,000 deaths were attributed to sleep disorders in 2019-20, due to increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, mental health conditions and reduced mental health
• Alongside the costs of inadequate sleep – estimated to be $75.5 billion in 2019-20 – there are likely to be substantial benefits from interventions that aim to improve sleep health in Australia.

Published: May 2021