Terms of reference:

• The Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport inquired into and reported on sleep health awareness in Australia, in particular:
• The potential and known causes, impacts and costs (economic and social) of inadequate sleep and sleep disorders on the community;
• Access to, support and treatment available for individuals experiencing inadequate sleep and sleep disorders, including those who are: children and adolescents, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, living in rural, regional and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander;
• Education, training and professional development available to healthcare workers in the diagnosis, treatment and management of individuals experiencing inadequate sleep and sleep disorders;
• Workplace awareness, practices and assistance available to those who may be impacted by inadequate sleep or sleep disorders, with a focus on: rostering practices for shift workers, heavy-work requirements, and the transport industry as compared to international best practice; and
• Current national research and investment into sleep health and sleeping disorders.

Report structure:

• Chapter 2 outlines the prevalence of insufficient sleep; the causes of insufficient sleep, including lifestyle and behavioural factors; and the impacts of insufficient sleep including health impacts, accidents and economic costs.
• Chapter 3 outlines the causes, symptoms and prevalence of sleep disorders; potential links between sleep disorders and other health conditions; and personal experiences of living with these conditions.
• Chapter 4 discusses the impact of fatigue and impaired alertness in the workplace and on the road, with particular emphasis on industries that use shift work.
• Chapter 5 discusses the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders; the accessibility and affordability of sleep medicine; the role of primary care and other healthcare workers in the provision of sleep health services.
• Chapter 6 discusses awareness of sleep health and hygiene in the general community; the education provided to healthcare workers regarding sleep health issues; and research relating to sleep health.