The Superpower of Sleep - by the late Dr Michael Mosley & SBS

Australia’s Sleep Revolution exposes the magnitude of Australia’s growing sleep crisis – with up to 40% of the population experiencing inadequate sleep, an estimated 15% suffering from chronic insomnia and approximately 20% of people fitting the diagnosis for sleep apnoea.

The deeply personal series saw the late Dr Mosley, a chronic insomniac, join some of the nation’s poorest sleepers as they put their bodies on the line to trial a pioneering eight-week sleep treatment program developed by the Flinders University Sleep Institute.

It 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.

By shining a light on the poor sleep health of some of the nation’s biggest decision makers, they hope to put sleep health back on the national agenda.

Dr. Mosley will also delves 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.

“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,” Dr Mosley says in a recent chat with SBS.

“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.”

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.”

* Published 7 February 2024 9:00am
Updated 23 February 2024 10:31am
Source: SBS

Article Blog was published prior to the passing of Dr. Michael Mosley. Our thoughts are with his family & friends.