Sleep Research

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 health in spinal injury patients - a group at increased risk of sleep conditions
  • Occupational sleepiness and fatigue among transport and shift workers
  • The impact of sleep conditions during pregnancy on mother and baby
  • The impact of sleep apnoea on neurocognitive function and depression
  • Studies into the structure and function of the upper airway, which is impacted by sleep conditions

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 projectSHIFT 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.

ARIELARIEL

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...

Notch monitoring in sleepNOTCH MONITORING IN SLEEP

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing is abnormal during sleep. There are two main forms of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. For obstructive sleep apnea, breathing is reduced because the airway...

A/Prof Mark Howard Awarded Major Competitive MRFF GrantA/PROF MARK HOWARD AWARDED MAJOR COMPETITIVE MRFF GRANT

IBAS leads project to revolutionize Home Ventilation with $1.2 million grant for Assoc. Prof Mark Howard's research titled "Synchronise non-invasive ventilation at home".

Prof Anne Holland receives prestigious Research AwardPROF ANNE HOLLAND RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS RESEARCH AWARD

Prof Anne Holland receives prestigious award for Excellent in Research Engagement and Impact from Monash University.

World Sleep Day on 17th March 2023WORLD 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'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.

Institute for Breathing and Sleep

Level 5, Harold Stokes Building, Austin Health
145 Studley Road
Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084

(03) 9496 5390

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