The Sleep-Income Paradox: Balancing Health and Earnings

Sleep is essential for health and well-being, yet its economic impact remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between sleep duration and income, incorporating economic and medical perspectives. In economic theories, increased sleep reduces available working hours, potentially leading to lower income. In contrast, the medical perspective suggests that sufficient sleep enhances productivity, which should translate into higher earnings. Using survey data on sleep patterns, working hours, income levels, and demographic factors—analyzed through regression models—this study initially finds a negative correlation between sleep duration and income when working hours are not controlled, with an additional hour of sleep per week associated with a 1.9% wage decrease. However, after controlling for working hours, this linear relationship disappears, revealing a significant nonlinear pattern. The results indicate that while increased sleep negatively affects income primarily through reduced working hours, moderate sleep (around 7.8 hours per night) enhances productivity and income when working hours remain constant. Beyond this optimal range, excessive sleep may have a detrimental impact on performance.