Koreans with insomnia on the rise: data

The number of South Koreans with sleeping disorders has been increasing over the past few years, data showed Tuesday, urging the government to come up with campaigns on the proper use of related treatment drugs.

According to the data compiled by Rep. In Jae-keun of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, the number of South Koreans diagnosed with insomnia came to 456,000 in 2015, up 40 percent from 325,000 tallied in 2011.

The amount of related medical expenses also reached 50.2 billion won ($45.1 million) last year, up 57 percent from 2011, the data also showed.

"The number of people diagnosed with insomnia, which is considered a modern disease, has been rapidly increasing," In said.

"The government must make efforts to increase the sleep quality of its people, while promoting campaigns on the proper usage of drugs."

The latest data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development showed South Koreans sleep seven hours and 41 minutes a day on average, marking the lowest figure among the member countries. (Yonhap)