The Cost of Lost Sleep

Researchers from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) have highlighted the importance of sleep for mental health and wellbeing, with 40 per cent of Australians not getting enough sleep each night.

Research scientist Dr Hanna Hensen, from the NeuRA Sleep and Breathing Lab said sleep influences the function of key organs in the body and plays an important role in our 24-hour biological rhythm.

“It’s during sleep several brain processes take place, memory consolidation occurs, and neural connections are strengthened,” Dr Hensen said.

“Sleep is also an important time for processing information we have accumulated across the day; and inadequate or poor sleep can have a direct impact on mental health effecting depression, anxiety and emotional instability.

“A good night sleep can improve mental health, general wellbeing, and boost workplace productivity.”

Principal research scientist at NeuRA, Associate Professor Danny Eckert, said the financial cost of inadequate sleep in Australia was estimated to be $66.3 billion in 2016-2017. The personal cost of inadequate sleep is higher still.

“Poor sleep leads to poor concentration. Every day in Australia someone dies from a sleep related vehicle or industrial accident,” Assoc Prof Eckert said.

“Sleep directly impacts mental health and in the long term inadequate sleep increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety disorder, and being burnt out.”

Good sleep starts with good habits, which can be introduced at home.

Dr Hensen suggests a regular sleep routine and bed time, not using your smart phone one hour before going to sleep to avoid blue light stimulation, bringing the lights down in your environment, and avoiding caffeine after 4pm.

Head to neuratalks.org for more information.