- Mosley’s trial saw an impressive 80% success rate in improving sleep using advanced technology.
- The trial’s personalized approach under Professor Eckert marked a departure from one-size-fits-all methods.
- Michael Mosley reveals simple bright light therapy as cure that quelled his sleeping condition
- Experts highlight the vital role of sleep in overall health, advocating for consistent routines.
- The series reveals the widespread use of sedatives, urging for more awareness and alternative treatments.
Introduction
Dr. Michael Mosley, a trained scientist and author specializing in sleep disorders, faced personal sleep struggles despite his expertise. He’s now leading with his eye-opening new three-part series Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr Michael Mosley, which premiered on Wednesday 6 March,2024 at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand. The documentary features Re-Timer light therapy glasses, developed by the Australian Sleep Tech Company, which were instrumental in resolving Dr. Mosley’s circadian rhythm-related sleep problems.
Australia’s Sleep Revolution exposes the magnitude of Australia’s growing sleep crisis –
- with almost four in every ten Australians are regularly not having enough quality sleep
- More than half of adult Australians are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom and
- approximately 20% of people fitting the diagnosis for sleep apnoea.
About the series:
In this new documentary series, researchers from Flinders University’s FHMRI Sleep Health clinic set out to understand the science behind common sleep conditions such as insomnia and sleep apnoea. It also highlights the shocking short and long term health effects posed by bad slumber – ranging from high blood pressure to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, chronic disease and reduced life expectancy.
The documentary series embarks on a journey to the highest echelons of power, venturing into Parliament House to assess the sleep quality of prominent politicians such as Jacqui Lambie, Barnaby Joyce, Josh Wilson, and Mike Freelander. By casting a spotlight on the subpar sleep health of influential policymakers, the program seeks to revitalize public discourse around the significance of sleep wellbeing.
Through the program, a remarkable 80% of the 30 participants experienced significant improvement after an intensive eight-week trial using cutting-edge sleep technology.
Light therapy for managing circadian rhythm
During the trial, Dr. Michael Mosley realized that his sleep concerns were not solely due to “moderately severe” obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but also stemmed from a misaligned circadian rhythm or body clock. The circadian rhythm is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, mood, and energy levels. This misalignment caused him to awaken at 3 am, as his body mistook it for awakening time. To address this issue, renowned Sleep Psychologist Professor Leon Lack recommended that he expose himself to bright light before bedtime using Re-Timer light therapy glasses. Regular use of these light therapy wearables helped Dr. Mosely “shift” his body clock, reducing the likelihood of waking up at unlikely hour.
Re-Timer light therapy wearables are an outcome of 25+ years of research into treatment of circadian rhythm disorders using light therapy by Professor Leon Lack and Dr Helen Wright at the Flinders University. Re-Timer mimics natural sunlight, which helps in managing the body clock or circadian rhythm for better overall sleep quality, and daytime alertness.
Designed for comfort, Re-Timer wearable light therapy glasses sits lightly on the head & its under eye delivery of light makes it suitable for spectacle wearers as well. Plus, it offers a clear view, allowing its users to multitask without any hindrance – whether at work, at home or when you travel.
Re-Timer is easy to use, rechargeable & portable and using it for a minimum of 30 minutes a day gives the body the bright light needed to maintain a healthy sleep–wake rhythm.
WHEN TO WEAR
Too Sleepy in The Evening
Wear Re-Timer 30 minutes in the evening to push back bedtime.
Too Sleepy in the Morning
Still sleepy when you wake up, wear Re-Timer for 30 minutes once, you are awake.
Tired Due to Lack Of Sleep
Wear Re-Timer 30 mines whenever to feel rejuvenated.
Priyanka, one of the trial participants featured on the show, wears Re-Timer light therapy wearable. Source: SBS
And not just Dr. Mosley, this study had Re-Timer light therapy glasses help couple of other trial participants get their circadian rhythm in control which helped them sleep better and live better.
The study employed novel technologies, such as Re-Timer, light therapy wearables and streamlined alternatives to conventional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines for sleep apnea treatment, in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), a non-pharmacological approach aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to sleeplessness
While sleep has long been a preoccupation of researchers, what sets this trial apart from previous studies is its tailored approach.
“The current approach is very much a one-size-fits-all one. What we’ve done here is flip the whole model on its head towards a precision medicine approach. So that is really comprehensively figuring out what’s going on for the person by giving them the details of the sleep analysis, and also monitoring and tracking them at home”, says trial leader, Professor Danny J Eckert. Director, Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health at Flinders University.
Importance of targeted interventions
Dr. Mosley underscores the significance of targeted interventions, cautioning against the plethora of ineffective remedies flooding the market. While technology can be beneficial, he advises individuals to prioritize their body’s signals over relying solely on gadgets.
“The evidence tells us that this [the new technology] is the best solution to resolve insomnia, much more so than sleeping pills. And yet very few people with insomnia are offered it,” Dr. Eckert says.
Fundamental pillar of well-being
For achieving better sleep, experts recommend prioritizing it as a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. This entails adhering to a consistent sleep schedule, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding stimulating activities before sleep. Should sleep troubles persist, seeking professional assistance is crucial, as they may indicate underlying clinical disorders that require specialized treatment.
Medication usage data
According to Flinders University studies, an estimated 2.5 million Australians suffer from insomnia, and medication is the primary treatment. Ninety percent of patients who visit their GP with insomnia are prescribed sedative-hypnotic medications, and about a quarter of a million Australians use such medication nightly, according to data from 2020.
Better sleep, brighter moods, more energy.
It all begins with
Conquering Sleepless Nights: How Bedtime Restriction Therapy & Bright Light Therapy Can Be Your Dream Team
Millions around the world, struggle with insomnia, the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, and two powerful tools you might not be familiar with are bedtime restriction therapy in conjunction with bright light therapy. Let’s explore how they work together to help you manage your sleep and achieve those restful nights you crave.
Chasing Sunbeams : Exploring Light Therapy for Hypersomnia/Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Craving a bit more sleep, even after a full night’s rest? If persistent drowsiness affects your days despite a long night’s sleep, you could be experiencing symptoms of Hypersomnia. Be assured that you are not alone as numerous people experience this sleep disorder, and there are solutions to find relief! Let us explore hypersomnia, its associated symptoms, and the potential efficacy of Re-Timer light therapy glasses as a means to enhance daily functioning.
I I am interested in these glasses but I wish to know can you wear them over your prescription glasses and for how long should you wear them each night
Hi Jackie,
Yes Re-timer can be worn over prescription glasses. The time and duration of wearing them will depend on the specific issue you are trying to address. Generally wearing them at night will delay your sleep cycle, and wearing them in the morning will advance, or correct your sleep cycle. Typically we recommend using them for about 45 minutes.
Thank you
Dear sir/madam,
These glasses sound like a much less uncomfortable ansplution than a CPAP machine which is what I am going to be offered when I hear back from the hospital where I was diagnosed with OSA a couple of weeks ago. I am anxious after doing some research that the machine will not be easy to get used to, is cumbersome and lay stop me from sleeping on my side as I cannot sleep on my back. Could you please let me know how I could get access to such glasses and how costly they would be please?
Hi Mary,
The Re-Timer light therapy glasses themselves are not a solution for OSA. It is, however, established that OSA causes disruptions in sleep patters leading to the associated problems in normal functioning. In fact, a lot of research has been done on the co-morbidity of OSA and Insomina, and in some cases even exacerbating each other.
Morning use of Re-Timer can help in normalizing an upset sleep cycle, and may provide relief in the typical symptoms arising from poor sleep.
The Re-timer is avaible at https://www.re-timer.com/checkout/ and the price depends on the region and currency chose.