Monash University researchers have joined forces with experts from India and Australia to improve the quality of life for those affected by sleep disorders.
A roundtable at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, brought together sleep researchers, physicians, and industry leaders to launch the Australia-India Sleep Health Collaborative Initiative. The partnership aims to address mutual challenges in sleep health by implementing sleep medicine clinics in India and integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern practices.
Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University, co-hosted the event with Apollo Hospitals. He highlighted the urgent need for innovative, evidence-based care models to tackle sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and circadian rhythm disturbances.
“This collaboration establishes a network of experts to foster knowledge exchange and develop solutions for this growing public health crisis,” Professor Rajaratnam said.
Research shows insufficient sleep contributes to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and accidents, among other health risks. Alarmingly, around 52 million Indians of working age suffer from OSA, and 37 per cent of older adults experience insomnia, underscoring the need for immediate action.
The roundtable identified key priorities for joint research to advance sleep and circadian medicine, leveraging expertise from academics, clinicians, and industry professionals across both nations.
Why is this collaboration so important?
Research has shown that insufficient sleep is a critical public health concern with far-reaching consequences. Reduced sleep duration is associated with at least seven of the 15 leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and accidents.
In India, sleep disorders have reached alarming levels, with recent studies indicating a substantial burden of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Estimates suggest that approximately 52 million Indians of working age suffer from OSA, with 29 million experiencing moderate-to-severe cases.
Compounding this issue, an estimated 37 per cent of older adults in India experience insomnia highlighting the widespread nature of sleep disturbances across age groups.
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