Korea Sleep Health Report finds rising independent sleep among couples, impacting U.S. markets.
On World Sleep Day, Simmons, the mattress brand, and the Korean Society of Sleep Medicine released the 2026 Korea Sleep Health Report, based on a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults aged 19 to 69. The study examined sleep patterns, satisfaction, and factors that disrupt sleep.
Among married respondents, 38.1% said they sleep alone. Among couples who share a bed, four in ten report sleeping separately, illustrating a rapid rise in independent sleep arrangements even within traditional households.
The report tracks how co-sleeping affects satisfaction: 79.9% of respondents who sleep with others said that sharing a bed influences their sleep quality. The finding underscores how physical proximity, rather than mere companionship, can shape daily well-being.
Specific disruptions cited when sharing a bed include tossing and turning (53.7%), snoring or noise (43.5%), differences in bedtimes (37.3%), lifestyle differences (25.8%), and lack of space (13.8%). More than half pointed to movement during sleep as the primary interrupter of deep rest.
Kim Dong-gyu, a public relations officer for the Korean Society of Sleep Medicine, said the trend toward independent sleep signals a broader shift toward personalized sleep strategies. He noted that growing interest in rest and wellness is driving a culture that respects individual sleep preferences and routines.
The report highlights product responses to the trend, including mattress setups that allow two super-single mattresses to sit on a single frame. Such designs aim to deliver private sleep environments within a shared living space, offering both customization and space efficiency.
In addition to the behavioral findings, the researchers unveiled the Korea Sleep Integrity Quotient (KSIQ). The overall score was 66.25 out of 100, suggesting that most adults experience chronic fatigue and fatigue-related daily life impairments. The KSIQ combines a Sleep Score (out of 80) and a Sleep Environment Score (out of 20) to assess overall sleep health.
The Embrain market research firm conducted the survey of adults aged 19–69, assessing sleep patterns, satisfaction, and sleep-disruption factors to produce the index. The findings illuminate a global interest in optimizing individual sleep, with potential implications for international consumer markets, including the United States, where sleep health and related product categories are a major growth area for furniture, bedding, and sleep-tech industries. The results suggest that sleep fragmentation and demand for personalized sleep environments are trends that U.S. manufacturers and retailers may watch closely as urban living spaces and wellness culture continue to evolve.