Time to talk sleep: Reducing the burden of chronic insomnia  – POLITICO

Think back to your last restless night; now imagine experiencing disrupted sleep for at least three nights per week, for three months or more and how that would impact your days. This is what people living with chronic insomnia, a sleep disorder, have to contend with. Lack of sleep has a profound impact on individuals, economies and society, yet conditions that disrupt sleep, like chronic insomnia, are worryingly low on the global health agenda. In fact, sleep conditions like chronic insomnia increase the risk of workplace-related errors and accidents, so consider that next time you see your taxi driver yawn, or a construction worker reach for an extra cup of coffee.

Why sleep matters

Sleep is one of the three key pillars of health, alongside diet and exercise.¹ According to the World Health Organization, healthy sleep allows us to enjoy good physical and mental health and is necessary for overall well-being.² However, insufficient sleep is associated with poor individual general health and is closely linked with a range of comorbid conditions. These have a knock-on economic cost as well, making sleep deficiency a threatening global health risk that could exacerbate public health systems and national health budgets.³