4 in 10 Australians battling sleep issues as nation’s sleep crisis grows
Australia’s Sleep Revolution exposes the magnitude of Australia’s growing sleep crisis – with up to 40% of the population experiencing inadequate sleep[1], an estimated 15% suffering from chronic insomnia[2] and approximately 20% of people fitting the diagnosis for sleep apnoea. [3]
The deeply personal series sees Dr Mosley join some of the nation’s poorest sleepers as they put their bodies on the line to trial a pioneering 8-week sleep treatment program developed by the Flinders University Sleep Institute.
Following on from Dr Mosley’s previous hit SBS series Australia’s Health Revolution, Sleep Revolution unpacks the science behind common sleep conditions like 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 series follows Dr Mosley and the Flinders University sleep scientists all the way to Parliament House to measure the sleep quality of politicians, including Jacqui Lambie, Barnaby Joyce, Josh Wilson and Mike Freelander. By shining a light on the poor sleep health of the nation’s biggest decision makers, they hope to put sleep health back on the national agenda.
Along the way Dr Mosley will also delve into the impact of the overuse of sleeping pills and explore the sleep and mental health crisis amongst Indigenous youth of Mount Isa in northwest Queensland.
Presenter Dr Michael Mosley, said: “I really wanted to make this series because, as a long term insomniac, I believe that good quality sleep is essential for good health, and that there is so much that can be done to help even Australia’s worst sleepers.”
“I was very keen to work with the Flinders team, who are world class, and to take part in this world-first clinical trial as an observer, but also a participant. It was a joyful experience and I learnt a surprising amount, not only about the science of sleep, but also the real causes of my own insomnia. A truly eye-opening series which I do hope will have a huge impact.”
Bernadine Lim, SBS Senior Commissioning Editor for Documentaries,said: “SBS strives to raise awareness about universal issues that affect all Australians.”
“This ground-breaking series tackles Australia’s growing sleep crisis head on and we hope it will educate, inspire and offer hope for improved rest to those battling chronic sleep issues.”
Professor Danny J. Eckert, Flinders University,said: “The rigorous clinical trial that participants undertook as part of this series included combining multiple sources of information from cutting-edge diagnostic and monitoring technology captured in the laboratory and home environments.”
“It utilised clinical decision making informed by a multidisciplinary team of sleep scientists, doctors and psychologists to ensure that each participant received the best tailored treatment solution according to their specific needs.”
Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley will be available to stream on SBS On Demand, with subtitled versions available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean.
An Artemis Media production for SBS. Major production investment funding was provided by Screen Australia and SBS, and also financed with support from Screenwest, Lotterywest and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).
sbs
