The socio-economics of insomnia: the materials and the methods

Insomnia affects about one-third of the population, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, reduced production and higher rates of accidents. This suggests that insomnia may burden society with significant cost. However, a precise economic analysis of insomnia is a challenge. Insomnia is part of a very complex interplay of physical and psychological illness, functioning both as a cause and as a consequence. In this paper, some of the methodological issues related to an economic analysis of insomnia are discussed. Data is presented using an economic analysis as an organizer, thus illustrating what conclusions can be drawn, and where further research is needed.