The number of insomnia patients increased annually from 1,109,989 in 2020 to 1,356,715 in 2024, according to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The size of Korea’s sleep market has grown from about 480 billion won in 2011 to 3 trillion won in 2024, and has recently reached 5 trillion won. In addition to health functional foods, the scope has been expanded to include IoT-based “SleepTech SleepTech” devices, functional mattresses, pillows, smart lights, and the spread of sleep cafes.
“Sleeponomics Sleeponomics” is a combination of “Sleep” and “Economics Eco-nomics,” meaning consumption used for deep sleep.As modern people suffering from stress and insomnia begin to invest in sleep to improve the quality of life, the entire market is rapidly growing recently
One of them is the market for sleeping pills and sleeping aids.According to ‘BRP Insight’, a platform that analyzes and provides pharmaceutical industry data in real time, the size of the domestic sleep sedatives market is estimated to be about 106 billion won as of 2025.Among them, zolpidem accounted for 40.0% and melatonin 36.2%, with the combined proportion of the two components accounting for about 76%.
106 billion won sleep aid market…76% of Zolpidem melatonin
The social problem these days is the abuse of Zolpidem Zolpide, which is mainly used as a sleeping pill. As the number of Zolpidem users increases, traffic accidents occur frequently even during the day. According to a survey of 1,046 drug driving-related cases commissioned by the National Forensic Service from 2023 to 2025, Zolpidem was detected in 370 cases over three years among medical drugs
As the revision of the Road Traffic Act, which strengthened drug driving punishment, came into force on April 2, those caught driving while taking drugs such as zolpidem will face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won
Originally, sleeping pills are specialized drugs that induce sleep by suppressing the central nervous system of the brain to treat insomnia, and must be prescribed by a doctor. Zolpidem is the most widely prescribed sleeping pill and is effective when it is difficult to fall asleep due to its fast and powerful effectiveness
The method of taking it should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before going to sleep and should be used for a short period of four weeks with the minimum dose to prevent resistance. Side effects include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and if you remain awake after taking it, you may experience advanced forgetfulness, complex sleep behavior, such as food intake, driving, and hallucinations in your sleep.
Zolpidem is strictly managed because it is classified as a drug due to its strong dependence and risk of side effects, although it is characterized by a fast sleep-inducing effect. The recommended daily adult dose does not exceed 10 mg (12.5 mg Western), and should be taken immediately before bedtime and 7 to 8 hours of sleep should be secured. In addition, after drinking, patients with sleep apnea and children under the age of 18 should avoid taking it.
Less than seven hours of sleep is known to cause decreased concentration and depression. According to the “Korea Sleep Integration Index,” which Simmons surveyed with the Korean Society of Sleep Studies in March, the Korea Sleep Integration Index in 2026 was 66.25 points. Most of the people are in a situation where chronic fatigue has accumulated and are experiencing discomfort in their daily lives due to low sleep satisfaction. Consultation with a doctor will come first when using sleep-inducing drugs.
※How to take the drug introduced in the article is general information only, and whether and how to actually take the drug must be decided after consulting with a doctor or other expert
[Writing Kwon Lee Hyun (columnist)]
[Illustration – Photo by Getty Images Bank, Pixabay]
[This article is about Mail Business City Life No. 1035 (26.06.23)]
