O048 Why don’t Australians with Private Health Insurance Prioritise their Sleep Health?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction This study sought to identify common routines and practices that may help or hinder sleep quality in a heterogenous population of Australians with private health insurance (PHI). Methods Members of a national not-for-profit health fund were invited to complete an online survey about the ‘pillars’ of sleep environment (place & practice), priority (value & knowledge), and impact (personal & community). Question responses were indexed on a scale of 1-100 and ratings were generated as a summation of each pillar (Low: 0-49; Neutral: 50-69; High: 70-100). Results Participants (n=1007) placed a high value on their individual sleep (73.9/100) and rated their place of sleep highly (74.5/100). However, sleep practice outcomes (56.5/100) and sleep impacts (personal: 50.4/100; community: 57.4/100) were considered neutral on average. Only 25% of participants were consistent in their sleep timing. 41% were distracted by other responsibilities (e.g., chores, children, and emails) and 30% indicated they prioritise yet cannot maintain consistency in their sleep routine. 75% of participants indicated they wanted more education on sleep and how to improve it. Discussion Australians with PHI are thought to be proactive in their health, with greater access to funded programs and claimable services to improve their health outcomes. However, the impact of poor sleep and severe lack of consistency was observed within this cohort, despite individuals placing high value on a healthy sleep routine. Conclusion With extensive benefits of good sleep, health funds should look to help improve their members’ sleep education for the 55% of Australians with PHI.