Korean Sleep Survey Finds Widespread Insomnia, Low Treatment Rates, Demand for Safer Therapies
World Sleep Day on March 13, designated by the World Sleep Society to raise awareness of sleep health, coincides with the release of a nationwide survey from Eisai Korea. The study canvassed 500 adults aged 19 to 69 across Korea to gauge sleep patterns and attitudes toward treatment.
The results show a high burden of sleep problems among the public. Ninety percent reported a sleep issue in the past month, with overall satisfaction low: 30% were satisfied and 39% dissatisfied. Among those with problems, 58% said their symptoms had lasted six months or longer, indicating chronic sleep difficulties rather than temporary disturbances.
In terms of sleep duration, many respondents fall short of the 7-9 hours commonly advised in the United States. Forty percent slept six hours or less, and 31% slept between five and six hours. Only 20% reported seven or more hours, while 11% slept less than five hours. The data point to widespread insufficient sleep among adults.
The survey also details the predominant sleep problems. The most common issue was waking up in the middle of the night after initially falling asleep (58%). Other frequent complaints included not feeling refreshed despite adequate sleep (44%), restlessness during sleep (38%), and difficulty falling asleep (28%). Age-related patterns emerged: younger adults (20s–30s) reported more non-refreshing sleep, those in their 50s–60s reported more nighttime awakenings, and adults over 40 had more trouble returning to sleep after waking.
Daytime consequences were notable. About 68% reported fatigue or sleepiness the following day, with major impacts on work or study focus (64%), mood (62%), and memory (33%). The findings underscore that sleep problems can affect productivity and everyday functioning, not just comfort.
Despite the high prevalence of sleep problems, actual treatment remains limited. Only 6% of respondents had received treatment for sleep issues, while 70% had not even considered treatment. The most common approaches were sleep habit improvements (45%) and professional drug therapy in 9%. A substantial 65% were not inclined to visit a hospital for sleep issues, with the leading reasons being that they did not view sleep problems as a medical condition (39%), followed by cost (23%), uncertainty about where to go (20%), and concerns about side effects (18%). Concerns about medications were widespread: 65% worried about adverse drug effects, with dependencies (79%) and long-term effects (74%) cited as the top worries. Additionally, 76% viewed sleep medications as short-term remedies, and 81% would avoid taking such medicine if they had important events the next day.
When considering new sleep therapies, respondents emphasized safety and practicality: long-term safety (83%), low risk of dependence (71%), and no next-day drowsiness (55%) ranked highest. Dr. Ji-hyun Kim of Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital described insomnia as a spectrum of disorders, including trouble initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, and early morning awakening. She warned that when symptoms persist for three months or more, chronic insomnia can develop, affecting daytime fatigue, concentration, memory, and mood, and potentially increasing risks for mental health issues and cardiovascular problems. She stressed the importance of proper evaluation by a specialist and noted that newer treatments offer options with fewer dependence risks and side effects.
Beyond Korea, the findings matter for U.S. readers because sleep health underpins productivity, mental and physical health, and healthcare costs in any economy. The survey signals a demand for safer, longer-lasting sleep therapies and highlights persistent barriers to care, including stigma and cost. As sleep medicine markets evolve globally, developments in Korea—such as new, safer pharmacological options and emphasis on accurate diagnosis—may influence international research, clinical practice, and product strategies in the United States and other markets.