Prevalence of suboptimal sleep in Australia and receipt of care: Results from a national survey

Abstract

Introduction The National Sleep Foundation's 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 population sample of Australian adults. Also 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. Methods A descriptive study (N = 1265) was undertaken using data derived from a cross‐sectional telephone survey of Australian adults, undertaken in 2017. Descriptive 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. Results Almost 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 (ps < 0.05). Rates of assessment and treatment are currently suboptimal: 52% of participants in recent contact with a health care service reported their sleep had been assessed and 33% received at least one element of sleep care, mostly commonly pharmacotherapy (43%). Conclusions Suboptimal sleep is prevalent in Australia and rates of assessment and treatment are currently low. A coordinated population health strategy to improve the sleep health of Australians is required.