Sleep disorder program re-awakens on April 14
March 20, 2009A popular Rural Health Education Foundation television program about sleep and health will be re-broadcast on the Foundation’s satellite television network on Tuesday 14th April.
Sleep and Health: A Wake-up Call covers the whole range of sleep disorders, providing information on the latest research in sleep medicine, and outlining the latest treatment options.
The 71-minute program draws attention to the medical, behavioural and social consequences of sleep disturbance; highlights the importance of early detection and diagnosis; and discusses some simple screening mechanisms that can benefit practitioners and patients in rural areas.
“Sleep disorders can have negative consequences for a person’s neuro-cognitive function, their ability to drive and operate machinery safely, their overall mood, and many other aspects of their lives,” says Rural Health Education Foundation CEO Don Perlgut. “US research suggests too little sleep - or too much - might even have an impact on mortality.”
“Medication used to treat other health issues can complicate the sleep scenario, and awareness of a sleep disorder can, somewhat ironically, lead to anxiety for the sufferer and worsen the problem.” Mr Perlgut says. “This program addresses the range of complex issues associated with the widespread problem of sleep disturbance, and empowers health professionals to develop appropriate management and support strategies for patients with sleeping problems.”
Presented by an expert panel
The program format is a panel discussion chaired by Dr Norman Swan, Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National.
The panel of leading medical practitioners features Dr Nick Antic, a Sleep Physician from the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health; Dr Delwyn Bartlett, a Research Psychologist from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney; Dr Tim Peacock, a General Practitioner from Tintenbar in Northern NSW; and Dr Bandana Saini, a Lecturer at Sydney University’s Faculty of Pharmacy.
Program funding
Sleep and Health: A Wake-up Call was produced with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
Broadcast details
Sleep and Health: A Wake-up Call will be broadcast across the Rural Health Education Foundation’s satellite television network on Tuesday 14th April at 8.00pm (AEST), with repeats at 8.00pm Perth time that same evening (two hours later) and 12.30pm on Friday 17th April.
Available on DVD and the web
DVD copies of this program are already available for purchase via our website. The program is also available free on the Internet for viewing via web-streamed video or listening via an audio podcast.
About sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are a significant public health issue, with estimates suggesting that over a million Australians suffer from sleep disorders of some kind, even though less than 1% are properly diagnosed. Health and economic costs associated with sleep disorders are estimated to be somewhere between $3 and $7 billion per year, approximately $40 million of which is spent on sleep medications.
Considering the nature and magnitude of sleep disorders in the community - a surprisingly large percentage of us do not get the optimal 6.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep regularly - there is certainly a need for greater awareness on the part of GPs and other health practitioners.
More information
For more information about this program - including presenter details, access instructions and associated educational resources - refer to the online program summary or contact the Foundation.