South Korea is facing a growing crisis in sleep disorder treatment, as increasing numbers of patients struggle to access necessary medications due to a combination of limited insurance coverage and a practice known as “Korea Passing” – where global pharmaceutical companies bypass the South Korean market. This leaves many individuals with sleep disorders bearing significant financial burdens and limited treatment options.
The situation is particularly concerning given the rising prevalence of sleep disorders in the country. An estimated 3 million South Koreans suffer from restless legs syndrome and the number of individuals experiencing other sleep disturbances is also on the rise. However, access to effective treatments remains a significant hurdle, prompting calls for policy changes and increased attention to this often-overlooked public health issue.
Recent developments highlight the challenges. Whereas guidelines published in 2016 recommended pregabalin and gabapentin as first-line treatments for restless legs syndrome, these medications are not covered by national health insurance for this specific indication. Patients can face monthly costs of hundreds of thousands of won. This financial strain restricts access to potentially life-improving therapies.
The issue extends beyond restless legs syndrome. Newer medications for insomnia, such as Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs) like lemborexant and daridorexant, are expected to launch in South Korea soon, but there are concerns they may not be covered by insurance. Kim Ji-hyun, Vice President of the Korean Sleep Research Society, expressed concern that without insurance coverage, “patient burden could increase significantly,” according to reports. Medi:Gate News
The “Korea Passing” phenomenon further exacerbates the problem. This refers to the practice of pharmaceutical companies choosing not to launch products in South Korea, often due to perceived low profitability or stringent regulatory hurdles. For example, SK Biopharm’s solriamfetol, a treatment for narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, has been available in the United States since 2019 but has not been released in South Korea. Similarly, sodium oxybate, effective for narcolepsy, cataplexy, and nighttime sleep disturbances, remains unavailable domestically. Medipana News
The lack of access to modern sleep aids is occurring against a backdrop of widespread sleep deprivation among South Koreans. A comprehensive analysis of data from Philips Korea surveys, the A-Sleep app (with data from 370,000 users), and ResMed global studies reveals that the average South Korean sleeps only 5 hours and 25 minutes per night – approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes less than the recommended 7-9 hours. Health Chosun
the data indicates a sleep efficiency of 82%, with an average nighttime wake-up time of 39 minutes. Individuals spend an average of 23 minutes trying to fall asleep, resulting in a significant amount of time spent in bed without achieving restorative sleep. Stress and anxiety are cited as the primary factors disrupting sleep, with a substantial portion of respondents reporting mobile device use as a contributing factor.
The Korean Sleep Research Society recently held a press conference to address these issues, highlighting the need for improved access to sleep disorder treatments and greater awareness of the importance of sleep health. The Society emphasized the limitations imposed by current pricing policies and insurance coverage, which contribute to the “Korea Passing” of innovative medications.
The average sleep time for Korean workers is particularly concerning, with shift workers experiencing a fourfold increased risk of sleep disorders. The Maeil Business Newspaper
Looking ahead, the Korean Sleep Research Society and other stakeholders are advocating for policy changes to address these challenges. This includes expanding insurance coverage for essential sleep disorder medications and working to attract pharmaceutical companies to the South Korean market. The goal is to ensure that all South Koreans have access to the treatments they need to achieve restful and restorative sleep.
What steps will the Ministry of Health and Welfare seize to address the insurance coverage gaps for sleep disorder medications? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
