Checking Bank Balance Before Bed... 7 Out of 10 Gen Z Lie Awake Over Money Worries [The World is Z Gold]

Sleepless Nights for Generation Z Under Financial Pressure
"Set Realistic Goals and Assess Your Financial Situation"
Number of Insomnia Patients in Korea Up 140% Over 14 Years

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is gaining attention as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era, setting new standards across society. In [The World is Z Gold], we shine a light on the lives and values of Generation Z around the world, exploring how they are transforming society.

As sleep problems among young people are emerging as a global social issue, a recent survey found that 7 out of 10 members of Generation Z in the United States have trouble sleeping at night due to financial worries. The American case demonstrates that economic instability, such as high inflation and job insecurity, can directly impact the sleep of young people, offering significant implications for Korean society, where the number of insomnia patients is rapidly increasing.

7 out of 10 U.S. Gen Z Say "Financial Worries Keep Me Awake at Night"

Amerisleep, a U.S. mattress brand, recently released its "Sleepless Over the Economy" report, which surveyed over 1,000 Americans about the relationship between financial stress and sleep.

According to the survey, 69% of Generation Z respondents said, "I toss and turn every night, unable to sleep because of financial worries," showing that financial anxiety is directly impacting the sleep of young people. Notably, 47% of Generation Z said they "cannot fall asleep due to concerns about job security,"which is a higher percentage than among Millennials (38%) and Generation X (35%).

Additionally, 64% of Generation Z reported "waking up in the middle of the night due to financial stress," and 68% said they "check their bank balance before going to bed." This indicates that financial anxiety is affecting not only their worries but also their daily routines.

"To Improve Sleep Quality, Start by Reviewing Your Finances"

The report also suggested specific ways to improve sleep quality. It recommended limiting smartphone use or leaving devices in another room an hour before bedtime, and instead engaging in calming activities such as reading or light stretching.

Furthermore, it proposed ways to address the root cause of sleep problems-financial anxiety. Setting achievable goals, such as building an emergency fund or repaying small debts, and having an accurate understanding of one's financial situation are crucial. The report stated, "It is helpful to track your income, expenses, debt, and savings for at least a month," adding, "By doing so, you can clearly see where you stand and reduce anxiety about financial decisions."

The American media outlet YourTango also highlighted the reality faced by the younger generation. The outlet noted, "High living costs and limited income make it difficult for young people not only to become independent but even to save money," adding, "In this situation, it is only natural that they have trouble sleeping." It went on to emphasize, "Regardless of generation or age, financial problems should not ruin your sleep or overall health. What matters is distinguishing between what you can control and what you cannot, and finding balance. Without physical and mental health, you cannot manage your finances."

Insomnia Patients Increasing in Korea...Impact of 'Psychological Stress'

The number of insomnia patients in Korea is also steadily rising. According to the "2024 Korean Sleep Status Report" released by the Korean Society of Sleep Research, the number of patients who received treatment for sleep disorders or insomnia increased by 140%, from 278,000 in 2010 to 678,000 in 2024. The average daily sleep time for Koreans is 6 hours and 58 minutes, which is 18% shorter than the average among OECD member countries.

The main factors disrupting deep sleep were psychological stress (62.5%), followed by physical fatigue (49.8%), incomplete metabolism (29.7%), inter-floor or external noise (19.4%), and physical pain (19.2%).

Prescriptions for sleeping pills are also surging. A joint research team led by Professor Lee Yujin from the Department of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital and Professor Shin Aeseon from the Department of Preventive Medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine analyzed prescription trends for insomnia patients aged 18 and older in Korea from 2010 to 2022. The number of prescriptions for sleeping pills increased more than fourfold over 12 years, from about 10.5 million in 2010 to about 38.5 million in 2020, about 41.2 million in 2021, and about 42.4 million in 2022.

Meanwhile, various methods are being suggested to help establish healthy sleep habits. These include: ▲waking up early at a regular time ▲avoiding naps ▲reducing time spent lying in bed awake ▲cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, which can affect sleep.