The sleep economy

Passage

For much of the industrial era, sleep was treated as wasted time, something to be minimised in the pursuit of productivity. Recent science has overturned this view. Research now links chronic sleep deprivation to impaired memory, weakened immunity, poor decision-making and a higher risk of serious illness. As awareness grows, a substantial industry has emerged around improving rest, from smart mattresses and sleep-tracking apps to specialised clinics. Critics caution that commercialising sleep risks turning a natural human need into yet another source of anxiety, with people obsessing over data rather than simply resting. Nonetheless, the shift in attitude reflects a broader recognition that good sleep is not a luxury but a foundation of physical and mental health.