Chronic Insomnia Disorder in Australia
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More than half of adult Australians are suffering from at least one chronic sleep symptom that is affecting their ability to live a healthy, happy life, new research shows.
A report commissioned by Sleep Health Foundation reveals how common symptoms of insomnia is across the adult population. It found almost 60 per cent of people regularly experience at least one sleep symptom (like trouble falling or staying asleep), and 14.8 per cent have symptoms which could result in a diagnosis of clinical insomnia.
Report highlights
- Prevalence of chronic insomnia was 14.8%, when classified by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, version 3 criteria
- Over half (59.4%) of respondents overall report experiencing at least one sleep symptom three or more times a week (high frequency). These include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking too early and not being able to get back to sleep
- The type of symptom varied, with waking up overnight or early in the morning more common in older people and difficulty falling asleep more frequent in the young. Waking up a lot overnight was reported by 47% of those 65 years and over, compared with 22% of 18 to 24 year olds. Difficulty falling asleep was reported by 32% of 18 to 24 year olds and 25% of those 65 years and over
- Significantly more female respondents than male respondents reported “often or always” worrying about getting a good night’s sleep (31% vs 21%) and being overwhelmed by thoughts when trying to sleep (35% vs 25%)
- Of respondents, 48.8% reported that their daily routine does not provide adequate opportunity to sleep all or most of the time