[Hinews] SEOUL — A comprehensive study by a joint research team from Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine has revealed a significant spike in insomnia drug prescriptions in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic, far exceeding pre-pandemic projections. Analyzing data from 8.14 million insomnia patients between 2010 and 2022, the study highlights a sharp increase in prescriptions across all age groups, with young adults aged 18 to 29 showing the most pronounced surge.

The research, published online in the *Journal of Korean Medical Science* (JKMS), compared actual prescription volumes from 2020 to 2021 with predictive models based on pre-pandemic trends. The findings underscore the pandemic’s profound impact on sleep health, particularly among younger adults, who exceeded expected prescription rates for all types of sleep medications. Insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings, can lead to long-term mental health issues like depression and anxiety, as well as physical health deterioration.

Women and Elderly Lead in Prescription Rates

The study found that insomnia drug prescriptions quadrupled over the 12-year period, rising from approximately 10.5 million in 2010 to 42.4 million in 2022. Women accounted for over 60% of these prescriptions, consistently outpacing men. The elderly, particularly those over 70, had the highest absolute prescription volumes, signaling a need for targeted monitoring in this group.
Zolpidem was the most commonly prescribed sleep medication, followed by alprazolam and trazodone. Non-benzodiazepine drugs dominated prescriptions, with combination therapies involving intermediate-acting benzodiazepines and zolpidem also prevalent.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, insomnia drug prescriptions in South Korea have significantly increased, with a particularly notable rise among younger adults. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, insomnia drug prescriptions in South Korea have significantly increased, with a particularly notable rise among younger adults. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)


Surge in Low-Dose Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

The most striking increases occurred in 2020, immediately following the onset of the pandemic. Prescriptions for low-dose antidepressants surged by 38.6% for men and 37.1% for women compared to the previous year. Low-dose antipsychotics followed, with a 28.9% increase for men and 25.7% for women. In contrast, traditional sleep aids like zolpidem saw relatively modest growth.
Dr. Yoo-Jin Lee, a professor at Seoul National University Hospital and a lead researcher, noted the steady rise in insomnia drug prescriptions over the years, with a marked acceleration during the pandemic. “The significant uptick in low-dose antidepressants and antipsychotics, particularly among younger adults, underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of drug safety and potential side effects in this population,” Dr. Lee said.

(From left) Dr. Yoo-Jin Lee, Professor of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital, and Dr. Aesun Shin, Professor of Preventive Medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine. (Photo provided by Seoul National University Hospital)
(From left) Dr. Yoo-Jin Lee, Professor of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital, and Dr. Aesun Shin, Professor of Preventive Medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine. (Photo provided by Seoul National University Hospital)


A First-of-Its-Kind Analysis

This study marks the first large-scale analysis in South Korea to compare pre- and post-pandemic insomnia drug prescription trends against predictive models. Its findings shed light on the broader implications of the pandemic on mental and sleep health, particularly among vulnerable groups like young adults and the elderly. As the nation grapples with the long-term effects of COVID-19, experts are calling for enhanced oversight of psychotropic medication use to ensure patient safety.

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