James Young is among four in 10 Australians who go to work each day without getting enough sleep.

New research to be released on Tuesday shows sleep deprivation cost the economy an estimated $66.3 billion in health bills, lost productivity and wellbeing.

Mr Young, a 41-year-old business consultant based in Canberra, has had mild sleep apnoea for about three years. It means he often needs to take an afternoon nap for an hour and a half about four days a week.

He can't remember the last time he woke up feeling refreshed.