Australia’s Sleep Revolution : A Deep Dive into the Nation’s Sleep Crisis With Dr. Michael Mosley

  • 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.
  • Mosley stresses the importance of personalized treatments over ineffective remedies.
  • 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, premiering Wednesday 6 March,2024 at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Australia’s Sleep Revolution exposes the magnitude of Australia’s growing sleep crisis –

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.

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.

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.

Priyanka, one of the trial participants featured on the show, wears Re-TImer light therapy glasses.
Priyanka, one of the trial participants featured on the show, wears Re-Timer light therapy wearable. Source: SBS

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

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