Australia’s sleep gap could become an ageing health crisis

Australians increasingly recognise sleep as one of the most important drivers of long-term health. The problem is that knowing sleep matters and actually achieving quality rest are two very different things.

New research from health technology company Resmed suggests a growing disconnect between awareness and reality. And as Australia’s population ages, that gap could have broader implications for health systems, workplaces and care services.

Resmed’s sixth annual Global Sleep Survey analysed responses from 30,000 people across 13 countries, including Australians. The findings show sleep is now widely viewed as a pillar of health alongside nutrition and exercise.

Yet despite that recognition, consistent restorative sleep remains elusive.

More than half of Australian respondents (53 per cent) ranked sleep as the most important behaviour for maintaining long-term health. But 58 per cent report experiencing quality sleep on four nights a week or fewer.

In other words, Australians value sleep more than ever. They just are not getting enough of it.

Sleep problems will matter more as Australia ages

Sleep disruption is often framed as a lifestyle issue shaped by stress, busy schedules and technology use. But the survey highlights a deeper concern.

Poor sleep is closely linked with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression.

These are the same conditions that become increasingly common as people age.

Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea also remain widely underdiagnosed, despite affecting large numbers of older adults.

Taken together, the findings suggest sleep health could become a more significant factor in managing ageing populations.

In Australia, where the number of people aged 65 and over is projected to double over the coming decades, sleep may emerge as an overlooked contributor to long-term health outcomes.

The gap between awareness and action

The survey reveals a striking pattern when it comes to seeking help.

Australians say they would consult a doctor about ongoing sleep problems, yet few actually do.

While 64 per cent of respondents say they would seek medical advice for persistent sleep issues, only 22 per cent report having done so.

Even routine healthcare visits rarely include sleep as a topic of discussion. Fewer than half of Australians say a healthcare provider has asked about sleep during a standard appointment.

That gap between recognition and treatment may mean many sleep disorders remain undetected.

Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at Resmed, says closing that gap will require stronger engagement from healthcare providers.

“People are increasingly recognising sleep as a cornerstone to long-term health, which is encouraging,” he said.

“But recognition alone is not enough. We need to help people move from awareness to action by addressing everyday barriers and improving access to screening, support and care.”

Technology is raising sleep awareness but not where it may be needed most

One of the clearest shifts emerging from the research is the rapid growth in sleep tracking technology.

Globally, nearly four in ten people now monitor their sleep at least once a week using wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness bands or rings.

But adoption is far from evenly distributed.

Younger adults are the most active users of sleep tracking technology, with people aged 25 to 39 leading the trend.

That creates an interesting paradox.

While younger generations are embracing sleep tracking tools, many of the conditions these devices can help flag such as sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease and chronic fatigue become more common later in life.

In other words, the groups most engaged with sleep data are not necessarily those who stand to benefit most from early detection.

Wearables can still play a useful role. Among people who track their sleep, around two-thirds say they would seek medical advice if their device identified a potential health risk.

But the research suggests technology alone will not close the gap between awareness and treatment.

Work and daily pressures continue to disrupt sleep

The survey also highlights the everyday pressures that shape sleep patterns.

Heavy workloads remain a major contributor. Sixty-three per cent of Australians say demanding work schedules negatively affect their sleep, while nearly half feel sleep health is not prioritised in their workplace.

Financial pressure is another growing factor. Among Australians aged 18 to 49, nine in ten say money worries are affecting their sleep.

Poor sleep has clear mental health effects. After a bad night’s rest, many respondents report increased irritability, stress and feelings of depression.

Over time, that cycle of poor sleep and rising stress can reinforce itself, making consistent rest even harder to achieve.

Why sleep is becoming a leadership issue

For many organisations and policymakers, sleep has traditionally been treated as a personal matter.

But the findings suggest the issue may require broader attention.

Sleep affects physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity and safety. In sectors such as healthcare, aged care and social services, fatigue can also influence decision-making and care quality.

Flexible work arrangements appear to help. Around 59 per cent of survey respondents say flexible work supports better sleep management.

As workforces age and health systems face growing demand, sleep health may become a more important factor shaping overall wellbeing.

Australians clearly understand that sleep matters.

The challenge now is turning that awareness into meaningful action before the nation’s sleep deficit becomes another pressure point in an already strained health system.