URGENT UPDATE: A shocking new report reveals that Australia is grappling with a severe sleep crisis, with 91% of Australians struggling to fall or stay asleep during a typical week. This alarming finding comes from “The Great Aussie Wake-Up,” commissioned by Holiday Inn Express, which also indicates that 93% of the population frequently wakes up too early.
Sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo emphasized that this growing issue has escalated into a national crisis. She outlined three essential factors that can help restore healthy sleep patterns: light exposure, meal timing, and temperature regulation. “When you look at the biomechanics of the circadian rhythm, there are key factors which control it,” Arezzolo stated.
She warns that many Australians overlook critical aspects of their morning routines. The research found that 76% of participants are neglecting breakfast, with one in four skipping it entirely. “Breakfast is absolutely critical for circadian rhythm alignment,” Arezzolo explained, stressing that eating within the first hour of waking sets the body’s internal clock.
The report also highlights the negative impact of caffeine on sleep quality. Arezzolo recommends avoiding coffee at least eight hours before bedtime and has established a personal cut-off of 2 PM for her last cup.
Light exposure is another vital element. Arezzolo suggests getting 20 minutes of natural light within 30 minutes of waking. “Exposure to blue light in the evening suppresses melatonin, your key sleep hormone,” she cautioned. This suppression creates biological signals that keep people alert, akin to drinking coffee before bed.
Additionally, the report reveals that more than half (52%) of Australians rely on the snooze button, with 70% of Gen Z regularly hitting it. “Every time the alarm goes off, cortisol spikes, leading to chronic anxiety and sleep issues,” Arezzolo warned, pointing out that this habit can set a stressful tone for the day.
Arezzolo insists that many struggling with sleep often seek quick fixes instead of addressing these foundational issues. “You can’t overlook these essentials and just pick and choose which sleep strategies to employ,” she stated.
In response to these findings, Holiday Inn Express is launching an initiative to support better sleep among travelers by offering complimentary hot breakfasts across all locations. This is a direct effort to encourage healthy morning routines and combat the growing sleep epidemic.
As sleep disorders continue to escalate, the urgency for Australians to prioritize their sleep hygiene has never been more critical. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as experts work to address this national concern.
