Tired Australians 'cost the economy $5bn'

Recent studies have found that 20 percent of Australians suffer chronically from poor sleep. The cost to the economy from lost productivity is around $5 billion a year. Allan Raskall takes a look.

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Recent studies have found that 20 percent of Australians suffer chronically from poor sleep.

The Sleep Health Foundation has conducted a national study of the sleeping habits of 1500 adults to find that one in five of respondents said poor sleep affected their mood and ability to perform daily activities.

Fatigue contributes to road and workplace injuries as well as lost productivity, costing the Australian economy around $5 billion a year.

SBS reporter Allan Raskall finds out why.

WATCH: Extended interview with Dr Maree Barnes at the Australian Sleep Health Foundation.