Not sleeping well is a common problem. Fewer than 50% of Americans report getting a solid night’s sleep. That happens to be the worst ranking for that particular sleep statistic in the industrialized world. However, it’s not bad news for everyone. The sleep industry is making billions from the country’s collective insomnia.
Why Aren’t More People Falling Asleep?
Industry researchers at sleep labs, where sleep disorders are diagnosed, say that there has been a 4% growth every year for the last 5 years, and they expect to see that rate of growth for the next 5. From 2,280 sleep labs in the US, generating an income of approximately $5.9 billion in 2010, to 2,800 labs making an estimated $7.1 billion in 2015, the growth is phenomenal and expected to reach the $10 billion mark by 2020.
But what is behind this growth? The main driver is digital devices. People today tend to use their digital devices, being smartphones or tablets, later and later into the night, which leads to a struggle to shift into a peaceful and continuous sleep. This is because the devices emit blue light which tricks the brain into producing less melatonin, which is crucial for restful sleep.
Ambien Use
Ambien is used to treat insomnia. One form of it is an immediate release tablet, which helps a user fall asleep immediately. The extended release form, Ambien CR, has two layers, the first to help the user fall asleep and the second which dissolves slowly to help them stay asleep.
Approximately 4% of US adults aged 20 and above use a prescription sleep aid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to statistics, around 40 million prescriptions for sleeping pills were dispensed in 2010 and most of them were for Ambien. The sales for Ambien in that year topped $2.8 billion.
Other Factors
Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects over 18 million Americans, and is another factor helping the growth of sleep labs and sales of sleeping aids. The prescribed fix for sleep apnea is a continuous airway pressure machine which pumps pressurized air through a face mask, thus forcing the user to breathe through the night. These machines have an estimated market of approximately $4 billion annually, in the US.
Thus we see that with the advent of more and more digital devices, and more disruptions to nightly routines, difficulty in sleeping, as well as sleep disorders are going nowhere. And the sleep industry is taking advantage of this by making billions. In short, the future for the sleep industry looks phenomenal, while the country’s struggle with sleeping looks to continue.
At The Villa we have all the information you need about Ambien use. Call us to find out how we can help you.