The prevalence and characteristics of complementary medicine use by Australians living with sleep disorders – Results of a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo report the prevalence and characteristics of complementary medicine use and product utilization by Australians living with sleep disorders. DesignA cross-sectional study. Methods2025 adults representative of the Australian population by age, gender and state/territory of residence completed a survey consisting of 50 items including demographic, health services and complementary product/service utilization and health status items. The sociodemographic characteristics, prevalence and frequency of complementary medicine (CM) use, and out of pocket CM expenses were compared between those reporting a sleep disorder to those without a sleep disorder. ResultsOf the 2019 respondents completing the online survey, 265 (13%) reported sleep disorders. Of these 265 respondents, the median age bracket was 40–50 years; 54.7% were females. The mean health-related quality of life score in this group was 44.8 ± 23.3; the group had a higher level of comorbid conditions compared to those without sleep disorders (p < 0.001). Two thirds (63.8%) of participants with a sleep disorder used complementary medicine compared to 52% of those without a sleep disorder (p < 0.001). Massage therapists and chiropractors were the main complementary medicine practitioners consulted by the group with sleep disorders; the average annual amount spent on visits to complementary medicine practitioners was significantly higher in this group (Australian dollars, AUD 160.0 ± 545.0) than in participants without sleep disorders (AUD 62.8 ± 251.0), p < 0.001. There were no significant differences in spending on complementary medicine products annually - those with a sleep disorder spent on average AUD 59.73 ± 266.38 annually, whilst those without spent AUD 62.8 ± 251.0 (p = 0.42). Of those with a sleep disorder, 97% reported consulting a general practitioner compared with 89.3% in the non-sleep disorders group (p < 0.001). ConclusionBoth complementary medicine and conventional services/medicines use is more prevalent in Australians with sleep disorders compared to those not reporting a sleep disorder. This raises a number of clinical and safety considerations including accommodating patient preferences.