Renowned British medical journalist and chronic insomniac Dr Michael Mosley is back in Australia to wake the nation up to the dangers of poor sleep with his eye-opening new three-part series Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr Michael Mosley, premiering on Wednesday 6 March at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Australia’s Sleep Revolution exposes the magnitude of Australia’s growing sleep crisis – with up to 40% of the population experiencing inadequate sleep[1], an estimated 15% suffering from chronic insomnia[2] and approximately 20% of people fitting the diagnosis for sleep apnoea. [3]
The deeply personal series sees Dr Mosley join some of the nation’s poorest sleepers as they put their bodies on the line to trial a pioneering 8-week sleep treatment program developed by the Flinders University Sleep Institute.
Following on from Dr Mosley’s previous hit SBS series Australia’s Health Revolution, Sleep Revolution unpacks the science behind common sleep conditions like insomnia and sleep apnoea. It also highlights the shocking short and long term health effects posed by bad slumber – ranging from high blood pressure to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, chronic disease and reduced life expectancy.
The series follows Dr Mosley and the Flinders University sleep scientists all the way to Parliament House to measure the sleep quality of politicians, including Jacqui Lambie, Barnaby Joyce, Josh Wilson and Mike Freelander. By shining a light on the poor sleep health of the nation’s biggest decision makers, they hope to put sleep health back on the national agenda.
Along the way Dr Mosley will also delve into the impact of the overuse of sleeping pills and explore the sleep and mental health crisis amongst Indigenous youth of Mount Isa in northwest Queensland.
Presenter Dr Michael Mosley, said: “I really wanted to make this series because, as a long term insomniac, I believe that good quality sleep is essential for good health, and that there is so much that can be done to help even Australia’s worst sleepers.”
“I was very keen to work with the Flinders team, who are world class, and to take part in this world-first clinical trial as an observer, but also a participant. It was a joyful experience and I learnt a surprising amount, not only about the science of sleep, but also the real causes of my own insomnia. A truly eye-opening series which I do hope will have a huge impact.”
Bernadine Lim, SBS Senior Commissioning Editor for Documentaries,said: “SBS strives to raise awareness about universal issues that affect all Australians.”
“This ground-breaking series tackles Australia’s growing sleep crisis head on and we hope it will educate, inspire and offer hope for improved rest to those battling chronic sleep issues.”
Professor Danny J. Eckert, Flinders University,said: “The rigorous clinical trial that participants undertook as part of this series included combining multiple sources of information from cutting-edge diagnostic and monitoring technology captured in the laboratory and home environments.”
“It utilised clinical decision making informed by a multidisciplinary team of sleep scientists, doctors and psychologists to ensure that each participant received the best tailored treatment solution according to their specific needs.”
Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr. Michael Mosley will be available to stream on SBS On Demand, with subtitled versions available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean.
An Artemis Media production for SBS. Major production investment funding was provided by Screen Australia and SBS, and also financed with support from Screenwest, Lotterywest and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).
Richard Huddleston, Screen Australia’s Head of Documentary, said: “In today’s fast-paced, always connected 24/7 world a good night’s sleep can be challenging for many of us and have an unwelcome impact on our lives.”
“Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr Michael Mosley is a timely wake-up call. It’s a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and personal exploration of sleep from all angles. Screen Australia is delighted to have supported this series, and hopes many Australians will benefit from watching it, quite possibly while in bed!”
Melissa Hayward, Screenwest Documentary Executive, said: “2024 is shaping up to be another exciting year for Artemis. We’re so pleased to be supporting their second collaboration with the endlessly watchable Dr Michael Mosley, and look forward to seeing Australia’s Sleep Revolution deliver a thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining journey for SBS audiences.”
Kate Croser, SAFC CEO,said: “We have been delighted to welcome SBS back to South Australia along with award-winning production company Artemis Media for Australia’s Sleep Revolution. Filmed predominately in South Australia, the series highlights the outstanding scientific research coming out of Flinders University, which is already at the forefront of sleep research in Australia and internationally.”
“The SAFC is proud to support this groundbreaking new documentary series that will utilise a majority South Australia crew, including Associate Producer Sophie Alstergren, showcasing the depth and capability of our state’s factual crew members.”
[1] Bedtime Reading Report 2019 (introduction) expressed as “4 out of 10 Australian…”
[2] 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. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/special-sleep-reports/chronic-insomnia-disorder-inaustralia#:~:
text=It%20found%20almost%2060%20per,a%20diagnosis%20of%20clinical%20insomnia
