The $66 Billion Impact: How Inadequate Sleep Drains Australia’s Economy August 18, 2025 A bad night’s sleep doesn’t just leave you yawning the next day—it’s costing Australia billions. In fact, a landmark report estimated that in 2016–17, inadequate sleep drained a staggering $66.3 billion from the economy.1 That figure isn’t just a statistic—it reflects lost productivity, rising healthcare costs, and diminished wellbeing for millions of Australians. Breaking Down the Bill The financial hit alone was $26.2 billion.1 This included $1.8 billion in health system costs, $17.9 billion in lost productivity, $0.6 billion in informal care, and $5.9 billion in other costs such as welfare payments and tax losses.1 For individuals, that works out to thousands of dollars per person living with inadequate sleep. But the biggest cost wasn’t financial—it was human. The report valued the loss of wellbeing at $40.1 billion, capturing the impact of disability, mental illness, and premature death.1 Behind the numbers are stories of lives cut short, families affected, and opportunities lost. A Widespread Problem Almost 40% of Australian adults experience inadequate sleep.1 It cuts across age groups and professions, affecting learning, concentration, and decision-making. At its most dangerous, fatigue can be fatal. Falling asleep behind the wheel contributes to an estimated 23% of motor vehicle accidents, while exhausted medical staff are more prone to making life-threatening errors.1 Long-term, chronic sleep loss is linked to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.1 These health consequences not only harm individuals but also place enormous strain on the health system. Why We Can’t Afford to Ignore It Sleep deprivation is not a minor inconvenience—it’s a public health crisis. Just as Australia has tackled smoking, alcohol misuse, and poor diets, it’s time to treat sleep with the same seriousness. Solutions exist. Work Health and Safety authorities can tighten rules in high-responsibility industries like transport, defence, and healthcare. Evidence-based scheduling of shift work could reduce disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm. Police could focus more on fatigued drivers, much like they already do with speeding or drink driving. Even small steps, such as installing software to reduce blue light exposure from screens, could make a meaningful difference. Public education campaigns have been shown to change behaviour at relatively low cost. With the right wording and awareness strategies, Australians could adopt healthier sleep habits, boosting productivity, reducing healthcare costs, and improving quality of life. Shared Responsibility Ultimately, tackling fatigue isn’t just up to individuals—it requires effort from government, industry, workplaces, and the scientific community. Investing in sleep health research and policy will help guide effective regulation and interventions in the years to come. The Bottom Line Poor sleep may feel personal, but its effects ripple far beyond the bedroom. With billions lost each year and millions of lives affected, the cost of inaction is simply too high. If you find yourself struggling with ongoing sleep problems, don’t dismiss it. Speak to a doctor. Prioritising your sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s about protecting your health, safety, and future. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References “Asleep on the Job: Costs of Inadequate Sleep in Australia | Special Sleep Reports.” Sleephealthfoundation.org.au, 2016, www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/special-sleep-reports/asleep-on-the-job-costs-of-inadequate-sleep-in-australia?linkId=16163154. Accessed 18 Aug. 2025.
