Sleep Crisis: Poor Sleep Putting Long-Term Health at Risk, WA Expert Says
Western Australians are being encouraged to take their sleep seriously this World Sleep Day on 13 March 2026, as national data reveals nearly half of Australian adults, 48 per cent, report at least two sleep-related problems.
Dr Chris Kosky, consultant sleep and respiratory physician at the Institute for Respiratory Health and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, says poor sleep is one of the most common but overlooked health issues in the community.
“Sleep is essential nourishment for both body and mind,” Dr Kosky said. “It’s when the body repairs, blood pressure and heart rate settle and the brain processes emotions and experiences from the day.”
Too much or too little sleep increases the risk of chronic health conditions and related risk factors. Obstructive sleep apnoea, a common condition, is also linked to chronic disease and mental health problems.
Dr Kosky says breathing-related sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea are common and often undiagnosed, including here in Western Australia.
“People may spend seven or eight hours in bed but still wake feeling exhausted because their sleep is fragmented,” he said.
“Loud snoring, waking short of breath, frequent night waking or persistent daytime fatigue are not just inconveniences. They can be signs of an underlying condition.”
Sleep challenges are also affecting young people. National figures show one-quarter of 12- to 13-year-olds and more than half of 16- to 17-year-olds do not meet sleep guidelines on school nights.
Stress is another major contributor. Poor sleep increases the body’s stress response and ongoing stress makes it harder to get to sleep and achieve restorative sleep (insomnia), creating a cycle that can impact physical and mental wellbeing.
The most effective treatment for long-term insomnia is sleep retraining cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) by a psychologist, not sleeping tablets.
Dr Kosky says improving sleep often starts with simple steps.
“Maintain a consistent bedtime routine even on weekends, allow at least seven hours for sleep, avoid screens for an hour before bed and go to sleep when you feel sleepy. A cool dark bedroom helps you sleep and morning light helps you wake,” he said.
“Seek medical advice if sleep problems persist. When we improve sleep quality, we improve overall physical and mental health.”
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