Sleep Industry and Quality Standardization
The adage "Sleep is the best medicine" has been echoed through the ages, emphasizing our ancestors' recognition of quality sleep as a fundamental pillar of health. In the modern pursuit of well-being, sleep continues to be a critical factor. However, challenges such as overtime work, social commitments, and stress can significantly diminish life quality by causing sleep deprivation.
As of 2019, a survey by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed that 73.4% of adults aged 20 and above had experienced insomnia at least once in the preceding month. Additionally, data from the National Health Insurance Service indicated a notable surge in patients seeking treatment for sleep disorders, reaching 709,233 in 2021—a 43.3% increase from 2016 (494,915). This trend underscores the growing significance of sleep, with an increasing focus on its quality.
Kwon Oryun(Bio Business Division Manager)
The burgeoning sleep tech industry, harnessing advanced technology to enhance sleep, has seen remarkable growth. Both startups and major corporations entering this sector propelled the domestic market from 1.5 trillion won in 2014 to 3 trillion won in 2019. Projections for the global market anticipate an average annual growth rate exceeding 20%, soaring from 15 billion dollars in 2021 to 32.1 billion dollars in 2026.
Digital therapeutic devices designed to address insomnia, exemplified by Aimmed's Somes and Welth's Welt Eye, have secured approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as pioneering sleep-related products. Smartwatches and smart rings focusing on sleep management are also hitting the market, complemented by a diverse array of products contributing to improved sleep environments, including beds, lighting, and sleepwear.
Consequently, the emphasis on product performance and efficacy has intensified. Nevertheless, there remains a deficiency in quality assurance and standardization for sleep products. Recognizing the pivotal role of quality standardization in industry growth, ensuring consumer safety, and bolstering product competitiveness for companies is imperative.
Stakeholders in the sleep industry must acknowledge the necessity for product standards, particularly manufacturers who should undergo rigorous verification and validation processes to ensure safety and efficacy before product releases.
To support this endeavor and promote quality standardization in the sleep industry, Korea Testing and Research Institute for Machinery and Electronics (KTC) has taken proactive measures. As an internationally accredited testing and certification organization leading the digital and green transformation of industries, KTC possesses specialized capabilities in testing and certification related to the sleep industry, including smart appliances, software (SW), and biohealth.
Building upon this expertise, KTC is set to launch the Sleep Industry Development Center, the sole testing and certification institution specializing in sleep products, commencing operations in March. The center's mandate is to certify the safety of sleep products and validate their effectiveness.
Part of the "Establishment and Technological Advancement Support Project for Sleep Industry Demonstration Bases" initiated by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Resources, the Sleep Center aims to create an ecosystem for the sleep industry. With an investment of 24.5 billion won, it is strategically located in Asan, Chungnam.
Equipped with various sleep verification research facilities, including a video-based behavioral analysis room, a sleep verification room, an information and communication technology (ICT) based data integration room, and a sleep complex environment test room, the center is poised to offer sleep-friendly product verification services and conduct thorough evaluations.
KTC's primary focus will be on substantiating the performance and effectiveness of products, ensuring they genuinely enhance sleep quality. Evaluation criteria will also include assessing the product's safety, user-friendly environment, and adequate protection of personal information. Additionally, KTC plans to establish and provide domestic sleep verification big data.
By driving the technological advancement of sleep product manufacturing companies, KTC aims to play a leading role in the sleep industry. Analogous to Sherpas supporting Himalayan mountain climbers, the Sleep Center is committed to sparing no effort in assisting Korea's ascent to the summit of the global sleep industry.
