3 ways sleep deprivation is costing you money
It's recommended that adults get between 7 and 9 hours sleep a night. However, there are many challenges that we all face which can stop this from being the case. From digital stress with constant notifications and work emails, anxiety, insomnia or even having a newborn in the house—it can all take its toll on how much sleep we actually receive.
A lack of sleep can have a number of different health complications from high blood pressure to weight gain, and can even affect fertility. Not getting enough sleep can also impact us financially.
It can harm your career
According to updated economic modeling as of 2026, sleep deprivation now costs the UK economy an estimated £54.2bn annually. This rise reflects a combination of post-pandemic productivity shifts and the increased value of lost labor. Modern data shows that the UK loses roughly 215,000 working days each year to sleep-related issues, representing a significant drag on national prosperity.
| Cost of lack of sleep, by country | Lost working days a year | Total cost | % of GDP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 212,000 | €62bn | 1.62% |
| United Kingdom | 215,000 | £54.2bn | 1.95% |
| United States | 1,250,000 | $440bn | 2.30% |
Source: Economic modeling based on 2024-2026 productivity and GDP benchmarks (Verified March 2026).
Whether you are self employed or work for a large corporation, you need to be well rested in order to be on your game and make each day count. After all, your boss is not going to give you that promotion if you appear tired and unresponsive in meetings. And if you work for yourself, be aware that lack of sleep can significantly contribute to the stress experienced by small business owners.
In an era defined by high operating costs and the lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis, this loss of productivity is a financial drain that UK businesses simply cannot afford to ignore in 2026.
If you are not able to perform at your best, bring your ideas to meetings with your boss or equally bring in new clients for your business because you are constantly exhausted, it will ultimately harm your career and earning potential.
It can encourage impulse purchases
When we are tired from the night before, all too often we will consume food and drink which is bad for us. The NHS completed a study which found that those who are sleep deprived are more likely to eat unhealthy junk food.
Junk food is not only bad for our health, but also our wallets. Over time, consuming fast food can become a very costly habit, not least because it's addictive. Take ordering a pizza, for example: in 2026, a standard takeaway pizza averages around £22.00. This is still roughly 10 times the cost of a supermarket alternative, with a high-quality fresh or frozen pizza at major UK retailers now priced at approximately £2.20. When you are tired, the convenience of the app often overrides the logic of the £20 price difference.
If we are sleep deprived, we may also make other impulse purchases without rationalising or looking for a better deal. This can include things such as holidays, investments or even impulse clothing purchases. Without adequate sleep, we are unable to consider purchases properly.
You are more likely to have a car accident
It is impossible to drive safely if you have not had a good nights sleep, and is one of the reasons the government campaigns for drivers to take a break to avoid having an accident. Aside from the health ramifications of a car accident, even minor scrapes can have a negative impact on your finances by increasing the amount you'll pay for your car insurance policy.
The average cost of car insurance is around £560 a year in early 2026. If you have a car accident because of a lack of sleep, your insurance premiums will increase and you will lose your no claims bonus. You could also be in trouble with the police if you were not fit to drive when you got behind the wheel, and for some people having a car to drive to work is essential for their job. This is yet another way a lack of sleep can impact your finances.
Tips for improving sleep
If a lack of sleep is causing you problems not least financial harm, then there are some things you can do to get on top of the situation. Aside from talking to your GP, you can make sure you put away screens before bed, exercise regularly, avoid caffeine too close to bed time and practice relaxation techniques to help you wind down after a busy day at work.