In this perspective, Diego Golombek and GBHI community members Harris Eyre and Agustín Ibáñez explore the concept of “sleep capital” which values sleep for optimal brain health and productivity across the lifespan.
In collaboration with ten experts from the Global North and Global South, we recently published a novel framework in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. This framework proposes a new economic asset, sleep capital, as key to fueling national economies. Sleep capital contributes to individual and societal wellbeing, productivity, and financial outcomes and is a novel aspect of brain capital.
In a world where "sleep when you're dead" is often glorified, sleep capital redefines our approach to success. It emphasizes that achievement doesn't require sacrificing rest; instead, valuing sleep is essential for optimal brain health and productivity. Prioritizing quality sleep can combat the burnout epidemic and lead to healthier, more balanced lives. Good sleep—both in quantity and quality—enhances cognitive function, mental and brain health, and overall physical wellbeing. This, in turn, affects workplace productivity, learning, decision-making, and overall economic performance.
The Multifaceted Nature of Sleep Capital
As outlined in Figure 1 below, sleep capital connects sleep quality to health, wellbeing, and economic productivity. The framework explores how sleep impacts cognitive abilities, mental health, and key economic indicators, providing evidence for significant returns on investment in sleep health initiatives. By recognizing the crucial impact of sleep capital, we can shift societal views on success and productivity, promoting both individual wellbeing and collective economic growth.
To develop indexes of sleep capital and measure its impact on health and productivity, specific variables must be tracked. Based on this, we propose policy recommendations, workplace interventions, and personal strategies to enhance sleep health and, consequently, brain capital. Investing in sleep is not just about rest; it’s an investment in a fairer, healthier, and more productive society.
Figure 1. The elements of sleep capital: This graphic depicts the input factors contributing to better sleep and the output elements representing the consequences of good/inadequate sleep. The input elements include factors such as environment, routine, diet, exercise, and mental wellbeing, all of which contribute to sleep quality. The output elements illustrate the consequences of good or bad sleep, including cognitive function, mood, productivity, and overall health. This figure highlights the multifaceted nature of sleep capital and its impact on various aspects of life.
Learn More
Join us in New York City on September 18-20, 2024, for the Brain Days at the 79th United Nations General Assembly when Agustín will present our work and help place brain health and brain skills at the top of global policy agendas.
Publication
Sleep capital: Linking brain health to wellbeing and economic productivity across the lifespan. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2024.07.011
This work also includes contributions from Ignacio Spiousas, Leandro Casiraqghi, Kaisa Hartikainen, Mika Pyykko, Timo Partonen, Chip Reynolds, William Hynes, Claudio Bassetti, Michael Berk, and Kun Ho.
