We all know that feeling – you’ve tossed and turned all night, the kookaburras are laughing at you, and you’re pretty sure you could sleep standing up. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just the odd bad night. Australia is facing a serious sleep crisis, and it’s time we all woke up to the facts.
A recent report, “Waking up to Australia’s sleep health“, is calling on the Federal Government to make sleep a national health priority, right up there with diet and exercise. Why? Because a whopping 40% of us aren’t getting enough shut-eye. That’s a lot of tired Aussies!
Why should we care?
Lack of sleep isn’t just about feeling a bit grumpy. It can have some serious consequences, impacting our quality of life and increasing our risk of:
- Chronic health conditions
- Mental health disorders
- Workplace accidents
It’s also a massive drain on the economy, costing us an estimated $75.5 billion in 2019–20. That’s a lot of lost productivity, and a lot of strain on our healthcare system.
Why aren’t we sleeping?
There are a few reasons why so many of us are struggling to get a good night’s sleep. Modern society, with its 24/7 demands and screens, plays a big part. Work, financial concerns and personal relationships can lead to stress and anxiety, which in turn disrupts sleep. Poor sleep habits, such as irregular sleep schedules, the absence of a relaxing bedtime routine, and inconsistent sleep/wake times, also play a significant role.
Underlying health conditions, including sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome and chronic pain, can further disrupt sleep patterns. Additionally, diet and lifestyle choices, such as excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, particularly close to bedtime, and insufficient physical activity, can interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.
What can we do about it?
The report stresses that we need a multi-pronged approach to tackle this crisis. Here’s where we, and Atticus Health, come in.
- Make sleep a priority: We often sacrifice sleep for other things, but it’s crucial for our overall wellbeing.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool.
- Establish a regular sleep routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Limit screen time before bed: The blue light from screens can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Watch what you eat and drink: Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and don’t eat heavy meals late at night.
- See your GP: Your GP is often the first point of call for sleep problems, but many doctors lack the resources and training to manage them effectively.
We need to change that, and Atticus Health is committed to providing our GPs with the latest knowledge and tools to support your sleep health. Sleep studies are available at select Atticus Health clinics.
We’re passionate about helping you live your best life, and that includes getting enough sleep. We understand that good sleep is essential for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We’re here to work with you, with kindness, creativity and teamwork, to address your sleep concerns and develop a plan that works for you.
