The cost of insomnia is 10 billion Swiss francs each year.

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A country is waking up. The widespread insomnia is depressing hundreds of thousands of people. As a study by Rand’s think tank shows, the economic toll of sleep problems is enormous. 10.1 billion Swiss francs is the estimated annual GDP loss in Switzerland due to productivity losses due to chronic insomnia. This corresponds to CHF 19,150 per working adult. Or 1.31 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

One in four men and one in five women in Switzerland suffer from sleep disorders. One of them is Marco Z.* (61). He gets up in the middle of the night and throws the second half of the sleeping pill. “This is my booster,” says Z. Sleep booster. Because without it she could no longer sleep – and without her first half she would not even fall asleep.

Even if the pills don’t help, the copywriter and graphic designer at a large consulting firm can’t sleep for days. “Then I can’t think of challenging tasks, I can’t complete complex tasks, nor can I think conceptually,” he says.

45 days of reduced productivity

Chronic sleep disorder is mentioned when the related problems last most of the week and for at least three months. Z knows this very well. “Sleep deprivation is a method of torture popular with the secret services,” says Z. “And unfortunately it’s a very effective method as far as I know from my own experience,” he says.

Every twelfth patient suffers from chronic insomnia (CID), a subtype of insomnia. It is one of the most common sleep disorders in Switzerland. And it affects the physical and mental health of those affected. The risk of traffic accidents, falls and costly mistakes in the workplace increases.

Economic consequences: According to the latest research results, sleep problems result in indirect economic costs of over CHF 10 billion. For example, because those affected miss being at work 11 to 18 days a year. Or work up to 45 days with reduced productivity.

5700 francs for a piece of normality

Additionally, according to research, CID is closely associated with a lower quality of life and worse life satisfaction. Those affected feel tired and complain of low energy. They suffer from mood swings and cognitive difficulties such as forgetfulness or speech disorders. Disruptive symptoms in professional life as well.

Even if senior executives brag about their deep sleep needs, it’s not healthy and is usually anything but good for your career. “Maybe I could have progressed professionally without having any sleep problems,” says Z., somewhat resignedly. Today, he is happy when he gets four to six hours of sleep each night.

Many patients can only imagine this. According to the research, they will be willing to dig deep into their wallets to regain the wealth they have lost: This piece of normalcy would be worth 14 percent of their income, or CHF 5,700 per year.

* Name known to editors

Source :Blick