Sleep disorders cost billions: study

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You know the drill: the alarm pounds like a jackhammer, you've had a heavy night on the tiles and you roll into work feeling - and possibly looking - like a zombie.

New research now suggests not getting enough kip at night, whether booze-related or not, costs Australia billions - and potentially robs you of that promotion.

The research, commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation and carried out by Deloitte Access Economics, says sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, and basic lack of sleep, cost the economy AU$5.1 billion a year.

Even worse, the cost associated with loss of quality of life from not catching enough zeds is $31.4 billion, the research says.

"Picture yourself after a big night, you get to work and you're kind of functioning but you don't have your usual sharp edge ... we've all been there," Professor David Hillman, chairman of the Sleep Health Foundation said.

"It does convert into dollars."

Treating sleep disorders makes up a relatively small chunk of the $5.1 billion direct cost to the economy.

The research found $270 million a year is spent on directly caring for those with sleep problems and a further $540 million on treating knock-on effects such as high blood pressure.

By far the biggest chunk - $4.3 billion - comes from lost productivity, caused by absenteeism and poor work performance.

A further $650 million is lost through indirect costs such as workplace and car accidents.

Prof Hillman, who is head of pulmonary physiology and sleep medicine at Perth's Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and a director of the WA Sleep Disorders Research Institute, urged politicians and businesses to pay more attention to the problem.

"At the moment there is a concentration on healthy diet, regular exercise, alcohol moderation and smoking," he said.

"But a good night's sleep isn't there (on the agenda) and it's got to be."

Tips to avoid sleep disorders:

* Wind down and relax before bed.

* Sit down with a good book, listen to music or construct to-do lists.

* Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon.

Source: Sleep Health Foundation.*

- AAP