Sleep Disorders Plague Millions Across Europe, Costing Billions in Lost Productivity

A new study has examined the widespread impact of sleep disorders across 47 European countries. Researchers analysed the prevalence, health effects, and economic costs of conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. The findings highlight how these disorders affect millions while placing a heavy burden on healthcare systems and workplaces.

The study focused on five major sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). Among adults over 20, insomnia was the most common, affecting an estimated 10 percent of the population. OSA was also widespread, with 18 percent of adults over 30 experiencing the condition. RLS had a prevalence of 3 percent, while narcolepsy and RBD were rarer, at 0.03 percent and 0.009 percent respectively.

In Germany alone, around 20 percent of the population—approximately 16.6 million people—currently suffer from sleep disorders. Younger age groups are also affected, with 12 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds reporting frequent sleep problems. Stress plays a major role, as 66 percent of those experiencing frequent or occasional stress also report sleep difficulties.

The economic impact was substantial. Direct costs, such as medical treatments, accounted for 48 percent of the total financial burden. Indirect costs, including lost productivity and absenteeism, made up the remaining 52 percent. Researchers noted that, despite these figures, the full scale of the problem has not been thoroughly investigated until now.

The study reveals that sleep disorders are far more common than previously recognised, with significant consequences for health and the economy. In Germany, nearly one in five people struggles with such conditions, while costs are split almost evenly between healthcare expenses and workplace losses. The findings call for greater awareness and targeted interventions to address the issue.