LSE Business Review:
Sleep deprivation, even when moderate, hurts employment
6 April 2017
Article by Joan Costa-i-font and Sara Flèche
Sleep is often overlooked in economic models despite its obvious restorative effects on human health alongside its influence on brain plasticity and feelings of well-being. Sleep exerts an influence on emotional well-being and restful perceptions, and sleep deprivation more generally, even when moderate, is found to be detrimental to employment behaviours. The number of hours the average person sleeps has declined over the past century, and we still ignore its effects on economic activity and economic performance.