The cost of sleep: Why Indians are paying more than ever for a good night's rest
There was a time when sleep was free. As children, we fought bedtime. In our twenties, we proudly traded sleep for deadlines, late-night parties or
There was a time when sleep was free. As children, we fought bedtime. In our twenties, we proudly traded sleep for deadlines, late-night parties or endless scrolling. But somewhere in our thirties and forties, something changes. A full night's sleep transforms into one of life's greatest luxuries. For many, it slips away gradually. Pregnancy brings months of insomnia. New parents spend nights feeding crying babies. Middle-aged adults develop sleep apnoea that leaves them exhausted despite spending eight hours in bed. Read Full Story Stress, anxiety, obesity, chronic illnesses and even rising temperatures all begin to chip away at restful sleep. Today, getting quality sleep is no longer just about switching off the lights. It has become something people are willing to spend thousands, and sometimes lakhs, of rupees to achieve. India's growing sleep crisis is fuelling an industry that promises better rest through specialised clinics, medical devices, supplements, therapies and gadgets. But while investing in sleep is worthwhile, not every expensive solution delivers what it promises. A NATION RUNNING ON TOO LITTLE SLEEP India is among the most sleep-deprived countries in the world. According to a survey, nearly 46% of Indians reported getting less than six hours of uninterrupted sleep over a 12-month period. One of the most common reasons was repeatedly waking up during the night to use the bathroom. Others blamed stress, irregular work schedules, environmental noise and disrupted routines. Climate change is making matters worse. A recent international study found that Indians are among the populations experiencing the greatest loss of sleep due to rising night-time temperatures. As nights become warmer, many people struggle to fall asleep or remain asleep, adding yet another layer to an already growing public health problem. One of the most common reasons was repeatedly waking up during the night to use the bathroom.
(Photo: Getty Images) Poor sleep is no longer simply an inconvenience. Research has consistently linked chronic sleep deprivation to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, depression, impaired immunity and declining cognitive function. THE BUSINESS OF BETTER SLEEP India's response to the sleep crisis is becoming increasingly visible. Hospitals across major cities now have dedicated sleep medicine departments. Sleep studies that were once available only at a handful of centres are becoming more common. Doctors are prescribing cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), regarded as the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia, alongside treatments such as CPAP therapy for sleep apnoea, melatonin and newer medicines known as orexin receptor blockers. The numbers actually show this shift. India's sleep-aid market is now valued at around US$338 million and is projected to continue expanding over the coming years, driven by growing awareness of sleep disorders, rising obesity and an ageing population. Consumers are also spending directly on products that promise better sleep. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. (Photo: Getty Images) Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, typically cost between Rs 35,000 and over Rs 1 lakh, depending on the model and features. Premium masks and annual replacement accessories add to the bill. Supplements have become another booming category. Magnesium glycinate, marketed widely on social media as a sleep aid despite limited evidence for people without a deficiency, often costs Rs 800 to Rs 2,500 for a month's supply. Melatonin gummies, herbal teas, weighted blankets, sleep trackers and smart mattresses have also found a growing customer base, turning restful sleep into a thriving consumer market. WHEN SLEEP BECOMES HEALTHCARE This growing demand of course reflects a larger change in how people view sleep.
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