One in three Australian adults have a sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome.
Poor sleep can lead to a range of negative health outcomes for those affected. Patients can experience daytime sleepiness, depression, poor memory and concentration and reduced decision-making ability. They are also at increased risk of cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks, as well as diabetes and some cancers.
With sleep disorders costing the Australian community billions of dollars per year, the Institute for Breathing and Sleep is dedicated to better understanding and finding treatments for these conditions.
Since the Institute was established in 2000, our team has led successful research in a number of key areas including:
Sleep Research
Sleep research focuses on circadian rhythm disturbances (including shiftwork), insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea.
To find out about current IBAS sleep related projects, click here.
As some sleep conditions can be caused by breathing disorders, our research into sleep and breathing disorders is interlinked. To find out more about our respiratory research, click here.
More information on sleep conditions can be found at the Sleep Health Foundation, including what to do if you or someone you know has concerns about their sleep health.
Information sources: Sleep Health Foundation, 2011 Deloitte Access Economics report
SHIFT WORK AND BREASTFEEDING PROJECT
Researchers at Austin Health are looking for volunteers to participate in a study exploring the impact shift work has on breast milk composition. Participants will be compensated with a $100 gift voucher.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a chronic lung condition that causes stiff lungs and restricts sufferers from taking a deep breath. Exercise in a gym, or swimming, walking or riding a bike, can help...
HEALTHY MALES AND FEMALES WANTED FOR SLEEP STUDY
Interested to participate in a study investigating the effect of fatigue on driving performance?
WORLD SLEEP DAY ON 17TH MARCH 2023
The benefits of quality sleep and to acknowledge the issue of sleep problems and their medical, educational, and social aspects as well as the prevention and management of sleep disorders, is promoted on World Sleep Day on the 17th March 2023.
A/PROF MARK HOWARD IS LISTED IN 'THE AUSTRALIAN'
The Australian's Research magazine names the top researcher and top research institution in each field of research, based on the number of citations for papers published in the top 20 journals in each field over the past five years.
PROF ANNE HOLLAND WINS THE 2022 ERS ALLIED HEALTH MEDAL
Congratulations Anne Holland for winning the ERS Mid-Career Gold Medal for Allied Health Professionals in recognition of her potential for further outstanding research within a field of the allied health professions. Well Done Anne!
IBAS SUCCESS IN 2022 AMRF RESEARCH GRANT SCHEME
Congratulations to the following IBAS staff members who have been successful in obtaining research funding from the Austin Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) for 2022.