Bridging the gap – sleep health education matters
Lack of knowledge affecting health outcomest
Amanda Slinger
Sleep Education Specialist & Director SleepSpot
It’s widely recognised that sleep is foundational to our physical health and mental wellbeing, yet as a nation we’re not sleeping well. Many of us experience intermittent sleep problems, finding it hard to fall or stay asleep, or squeezing the time we give to sleep. Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea and chronic insomnia are highly prevalent, with one in five of us having a diagnosed sleep disorder – yet many more go undiagnosed. According to HIF’s 2024 Sleep Survey, more than half of working Australians have turned up to work exhausted in the last year, with the overwhelming majority saying it has impacted their performance at work. And I’m sure that doctors, and doctors in training, would be well represented in these numbers. Hectic schedules, mounting stress and everyday lifestyle choices are taking a heavy toll on our ability to sleep. The promising news is that Australians are increasingly curious about sleep. But, with so little exposure to sleep health education, many are left wondering where to start.
Lack of sleep health education
From a young age, we’re taught the importance of nutrition and exercise – remember the food pyramid? But sleep education isn’t given the same priority. While sleep is a natural process, it can be disrupted by behavioural and environmental factors. Yet most people lack the knowledge to identify or address these ‘sleep thieves’. By introducing sleep health education into schools, we can change this trajectory. Imagine a generation that grows up valuing sleep as much as exercise and nutrition? Unfortunately, the lack of sleep health education isn’t confined to schools – it’s largely absent in undergraduate medical training.
“ Unfortunately, the lack of sleep health education isn’t confined to schools – it’s largely absent in undergraduate medical training.
The critical gap
In the demanding world of medicine, where every decision can impact a life, doctors are trained to navigate complex health challenges. Yet sleep, a pillar of health and wellbeing that affects both doctors and their patients, remains a missing chapter in their training. This oversight has left a significant gap in patient care, as sleep health is infrequently discussed despite its profound impact on health outcomes. By incorporating sleep science into medical school curricula, we could empower future doctors to identify and address sleep-related challenges with confidence. This knowledge wouldn’t just benefit patients, it would also equip doctors to safeguard their own wellbeing, enabling them to deliver higher-quality care and avoid burnout. Integrating sleep health into medical education is an essential step to transforming healthcare.
Doctors leading the way
Doctors don’t need to wait for systemic changes to deepen their understanding of sleep science. By engaging in continuing education, staying updated on emerging research, or collaborating with sleep specialists, doctors can develop the expertise needed to address sleep issues more effectively. Simple actions, such as routinely asking, “how well are you sleeping?” can spark impactful conversations about sleep habits, hygiene and interventions. Early identification of sleep issues allows doctors to guide patients toward practical solutions, recommend specialists, or provide trusted resources. Doctors have a unique opportunity to lead the way in tackling Australia’s sleep crisis. And with a commitment to learning and action, they can elevate their medical practice, improve patient outcomes, and support their own wellbeing.