Sleep Science · May 2026
How much does bad sleep really cost?
There are expenses you can clearly see — your electricity bill, your gym membership, your new phone. But there are also costs that never come with an invoice. They show up as fatigue, distraction, coffee that no longer works, and poor decisions because your brain simply doesn’t have the capacity to think clearly.
Poor sleep is one of the most expensive “invisible” costs.
What does the data say?
The economic effects of sleep deprivation are well documented.
According to research by RAND Corporation, the losses caused by insufficient sleep in developed economies are enormous — in Germany alone, they are estimated at tens of billions of euros per year.
On an individual level, the picture is just as clear: people who sleep less than 6 hours per night have significantly lower productivity compared to those who sleep 7–8 hours.
But productivity is only the beginning.
Coffee that stops being a choice
The average European spends hundreds of euros per year on coffee. Part of this is enjoyment (especially in Italy). But a significant part is simply a necessity — to function after a bad night of poor-quality sleep.
Coffee itself is not the problem. The problem is that it is often used as a substitute for sleep (even though it can never truly replace it).
Add energy drinks, quick carbohydrates in the afternoon, more caffeine after 3 PM — and you get a hidden cost that comes directly from lack of sleep, not from conscious choice.
Immunity and sick days
Sleep deprivation has a direct effect on the immune system.
People who sleep less than 6 hours are significantly more susceptible to viral infections compared to those who sleep more than 7 hours.
In real life, this means more sick days, more money spent on medication, and more missed workdays. All of this comes with a very real cost — one you probably won’t like when you add it up.
A tired brain spends more
One of the most underestimated effects of poor sleep is its impact on decision-making.
Sleep deprivation increases impulsivity, reduces self-control, and raises the likelihood of unnecessary purchases.
The same applies to eating — appetite increases while control over hunger decreases.
In other words: poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired. It changes how you spend, eat, and make decisions.
And finally — the mattress
In Bulgaria, mattresses are typically replaced every 8–12 years.
A good hybrid mattress costs roughly 800–2500 euros.
Compared to the hidden costs of poor sleep — coffee, sick leave, reduced productivity, impulsive purchases — a mattress is rarely the biggest expense. More often, it is the cheapest way to reduce all of them.
CODA — an investment in quality sleep
CODA is created for people who understand that poor sleep is not a minor discomfort, but a real daily expense.
The hybrid construction of pocket springs and high-quality foam layers is not just a luxury. It is a practical answer to how to reduce the cost of bad sleep — every night, for years to come.