Sleep Health as an Economic Asset: Evaluating Roles of adequate sleep in global labor efficiency

Abstract

The economic impact of sleep health is poorly studied, whereas it is becoming a key factor defining human capital. This paper is an exploration of how adequate sleep can lead to better labor productivity in the world, both at an individual and macroeconomic level. Based on the evidence provided in sleep science, research on cognitive performance, and research in labor economics, the paper emphasizes the role of enough sleep in enhancing productivity, decreasing errors, and alleviating absenteeism and presenteeism. Insomnia, on the other hand, is a costly contributor to loss of economy due to poor performance in the workforce and high healthcare expenditure. The study also addresses the policy and organizational interventions that can maximize the health of sleep, which makes it a strategic economic asset. The concept of sleep health, when understood and introduced in the labor and economic planning, can be a quantifiable benefit to the efficiency of the workforce and economic stability.