South Korea is experiencing a significant rise in sleep disorders, with the number of diagnosed patients exceeding 1.3 million in 2023, a 26% increase over the past four years, according to data released by the National Health Insurance Service.
The surge in reported cases encompasses a range of conditions including insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, and hypersomnia. Experts attribute the increase to a combination of factors, including irregular lifestyles, heightened stress levels, and a growing prevalence of obesity. The Seoul Asan Hospital notes that sleep disorders are surprisingly common, affecting more than 20% of the population.
The growing prevalence of sleep disorders is prompting increased attention from the pharmaceutical industry, with companies investing in diagnostic tools, supplements, and medications aimed at addressing the issue. The industry is focusing on AI-based precision diagnostics and treatments targeting the root causes of sleep disturbances, rather than simply addressing the symptoms.
While sleep is a fundamental physiological process, essential even in the earliest stages of human life, the societal understanding of its importance and the risks associated with neglecting it remains insufficient, according to industry analysts. Untreated sleep disorders can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
The types of sleep are broadly categorized into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is crucial for cognitive functions and memory consolidation, and non-REM sleep, which focuses on physical restoration. Non-REM sleep is further divided into stages 1 through 3, representing increasing levels of sleep depth. Disruptions in either type of sleep can contribute to a variety of health problems.
The National Mental Health Portal identifies several related conditions, including fibromyalgia, depression, deviated nasal septum, Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, separation anxiety disorder, sleepwalking, and menopause. The Seoul Asan Hospital too lists conditions like sleep paralysis and hallucinations during the sleep onset phase as symptoms of sleep disorders.
Medical facilities treating sleep disorders include the departments of Family Medicine, Neurology, and Psychiatry. The increase in cases is particularly noticeable among the elderly and women, suggesting a potential link to hormonal changes and age-related health issues.
The Korean government has not yet issued a formal response to the rising numbers, and no new policy initiatives have been announced. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has scheduled a review of national health data in late March to assess the broader impact of chronic conditions, including sleep disorders.
