By Kim Bo-eun

Sleeplessness in Seoul has increased by 84.6 percent or by a yearly average of 16.7 percent points over the past five years, according to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

Its report showed that the number of patients went up to 383,000 last year, from 207,000 in 2007.

“Increased stress levels amid the economic slump are the main causes,” said Han Jin-kyu, head of the Seoul Sleep Center. “People work even when they need to take a rest.”

Han also attributed difficulty in sleeping to the frequent use of digital devices.

More people are now exposed to LCD and LED light sources from the devices, and their stimulating effects may be contributing to the disorder, he said.

In the report, more women were found to suffer from inability to sleep than men, with their figure 1.7 times greater.

“Menopause entails trouble sleeping. Older women are also subject to greater stress levels as their husbands retire and they need to prepare for their later years,” he said.

The report also showed that those in their 50s and older accounted for 65.6 percent of insomnia patients in 2011.

“The elderly in general have more sleep disorders as their brain functions deteriorate. Older people are also more likely to have illnesses such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders that disrupt sleep,” Han added.

The total tab for insomnia treatment rose by 112.9 percent to 22.9 billion won spent in 2011 from 10.7 billion won in 2007.

“If the sleeping disorder is related to other physical or mental disorders, they should be attended to first,” said Han. “And one needs to reflect on one’s daily routine and find where the problem stems from.”

Han emphasized the importance of aligning one’s daily routine with natural light. “It is important to get up and see natural light before 9 a.m. in order to fall asleep before 12 a.m. Koreans have an active night life, but one should go to sleep when it gets dark.”

Sleeping pills are only a temporary resolution, so a person suffering from insomnia should try to pinpoint the cause in order to really solve the problem, he said.