A new national sleep report has revealed a hidden productivity and health concern gripping the nation, with nearly half of all Australians (46 per cent) admitting poor sleep is directly impacting their ability to work or study. Younger adults aged 18 to 44 are the most unproductive, losing up to five days of productivity each week.
The Australian Sleep Report, commissioned by the Sleep Health Foundation for Sleep Health Week (11-15 August), paints an alarming trend of a tired, medicated nation. To cope with sleeplessness, 4 in 10 Australians have turned to sleep medication including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Melatonin use leads the trend, taken by 43 per cent of Australians. Concerningly, 1 in 5 Australians now use sleep medications regularly.
Dr Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation, said the findings reveal a widespread and growing health and productivity issue that demands urgent national attention.
"We’re seeing a silent productivity drain that’s impacting younger Australians the hardest. Five lost days a week is not just personal exhaustion – it’s a national issue that can affect overall wellbeing and daily life, and concerningly half of the sample reported only having ‘occasional’ control over their sleep schedules," said Moira.
Women are significantly more likely to medicate, particularly those experiencing perimenopause and menopause – with 4 in 10 using sleep medications during this stage of life.
"What’s also deeply concerning is our growing dependence on sleep medication as a coping mechanism. This signals a need to address the true causes of poor sleep rather than reaching for a quick fix," said Moira.
Overall, Australians are missing the mark with meeting the recommended daily sleep requirement. 7 hours was the most common sleep duration across all age group. Short sleep (under 6 hours) is most common in middle-aged Australians (55-64).
Sleep snapshots from the report
Busy brains and nighttime distractions
- The top reasons Australians can’t sleep:
- Busy minds (47 per cent)
- Worry (42 per cent)
- Restlessness (31 per cent)
- Technology and screen time were the biggest barriers to sleep for those aged 18–24
Health conditions interfering with sleep
- Top sleep disruptors:
- Back problems
- Mental health conditions
- Chronic pain
- Back pain and mental health issues are associated with:
- Shortest sleep duration (average 6.7 hours)
- Highest productivity loss (up to 4 days a week)
- Highest medication use (33 per cent)
Moira says,
"Sleep is one of the most powerful tools we have for health, mood, focus and performance. As a nation, we need to stop treating poor sleep as something that just happens. With the right education, knowledge and support, better sleep is possible."
The Sleep Health Foundation’s top five tips on getting a better sleep include:
- Recognise and value the power of sleep: aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
- Optimise your sleep environment: cool, dark, quiet rooms are best.
- Light matters: get bright light during the day, dim light at night.
- Unwind and unplug before bed. This includes worry, work, responsibilities and screens).
- Seek professional opinion and support: if despite best efforts you can’t get your sleep on track.
For an interview, please contact: Dr Moira Junge, CEO Sleep Health Foundation
ceo@sleephealthfoundation.org.au | 0402 583 341