Prevalence of self-reported suboptimal sleep in Australia and receipt of sleep care: results from the 2017 National Social Survey

Abstract

ObjectivesThe National Sleep Foundation’s (NSFs) sleep duration recommendations and quality indicators enable trichotomous classification of sleep parameters as ‘appropriate’, ‘may be appropriate’ or ‘inappropriate’, with the latter representing ‘suboptimal’ sleep. This study reports the prevalence of self-reported suboptimal sleep and associated demographics in a large sample of Australian adults. In addition, reported are rates of suboptimal sleep assessment by health-care clinicians/services and receipt of and desire for sleep care, and their associations with suboptimal sleep. Design/Setting/ParticipantsA descriptive study (N = 1265) was undertaken using data derived from a cross-sectional telephone survey of Australian adults undertaken in 2017. Measurement/AnalysisDescriptive statistics summarised the prevalence of suboptimal sleep, and chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses explored associations between suboptimal sleep, demographics and receipt of/interest in sleep care. ResultsAlmost half of participants (42%) were considered to have suboptimal sleep: 19% met criteria on one parameter, 13% on 2, 11% on ≥3. The highest prevalence of suboptimal sleep was seen on measures of sleep duration (20%-23%). Participants who were single, female, middle-aged (26-64) and of low socioeconomic status were more likely to experience suboptimal sleep (p<0.01). Rates of assessment and treatment are currently suboptimal: 16% reported their sleep had been assessed and 10% received at least one element of sleep care, most commonly pharmacotherapy (43%). ConclusionsSuboptimal sleep is prevalent in Australia, and rates of assessment and treatment are currently low. Finding supports the need for a coordinated population health strategy to improve the sleep health of Australians.