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.
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.
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.
