Sleep Disorder Cases in South Korea Surge (Image courtesy of Getty Image Bank/CCL)
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of South Koreans suffering from sleep disorders has surged by more than a quarter over the past five years, surpassing 1.3 million patients last year, according to newly released government data.
Figures from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, disclosed by Rep. Nam In-soon of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee, show that 1,308,383 people received treatment in 2024 for non-organic sleep disorders or related conditions such as insomnia, hypersomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances.
Women in their 60s accounted for the largest share, at 179,000 cases, followed by women in their 50s and 70s. Men in their 50s to 70s also ranked high, highlighting the prevalence of sleep problems among middle-aged and elderly Koreans.
The number of patients has risen steadily — from 1.04 million in 2020 to 1.24 million in 2023 — reflecting a 26 percent increase in just five years. Experts attribute the trend to mounting stress, aging, and changes in sleep patterns brought by lifestyle shifts and digital habits.
Medical specialists warn that untreated sleep disorders can exacerbate cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric conditions, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The rise in sleep disorders has also coincided with a sharp increase in prescription sleep aids. A Seoul National University study found that prescriptions for four major insomnia drugs — including benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines — jumped more than fourfold between 2010 and 2022, from 10.5 million to 42.4 million cases.
While older women remain the most frequent users, the sharpest growth in prescriptions was observed among people in their twenties, the study said.
Rep. Nam urged the government to step up research and policy responses. “The growing number of patients, especially among Koreans in their 50s to 70s, calls for targeted public health measures and more tailored treatment approaches,” she said.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
