As we age, a good night's sleep becomes more precious than ever. It's the cornerstone of our health, affecting everything from our mood to our cognitive function. But for many Australians, particularly those over 60, quality sleep is becoming increasingly elusive. Groundbreaking research has uncovered a concerning trend among Aussies struggling with sleep, and it's one that warrants our attention.


The IKEA Sleep Report, a comprehensive global study involving over 55,000 participants from 57 markets, including Australia, has revealed some startling statistics about our sleep habits. Alarmingly, one in five Australians regularly turns to medication to help them fall asleep, with eight per cent relying on sleep aids every single night. This is a significant increase compared to the global average, highlighting a growing dependency on pharmaceutical solutions to combat sleep issues.


Australia's overall sleep score, according to the IKEA Sleep Index, sits at a mere 58 out of 100, well below the global average of 63. This suggests that Australians are struggling more than most when it comes to getting restful sleep. The report also found that Australians are missing out on an average of an hour and 20 minutes of sleep each night, which adds up to a staggering 20 full days of lost sleep annually.


The implications of these findings are profound, especially for our senior community. As we age, our sleep patterns naturally change, and it becomes more challenging to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. However, the reliance on medication to address these changes is concerning. Not only can it lead to dependency, but it can also mask underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as stress, medical conditions, and anxiety disorders – the top barriers to good sleep identified in the report.

The survey also highlighted the impact of technology on our sleep, with 70 per cent of Australians using their phones in bed and 25 per cent working on laptops or tablets. This electronic usage can interfere with our natural sleep rhythms and contribute to the difficulty many experience when trying to fall asleep.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The IKEA Sleep Report also offers insights into how we can improve our sleep quality. By understanding the needs of well-rested markets, we can adopt simple, universal strategies to ensure better sleep. These include maintaining bedtime consistency, creating decluttered spaces, and optimizing sleep environments.


IKEA's research has led to the development of six sleep essentials that play a significant role in determining sleep quality: comfort, light, temperature, sound, air quality, and decluttering. Their extensive bed and mattress range, as well as other sleep-related products, are designed to address each of these essentials, offering solutions to help improve sleep quality.

For our senior readers, it's crucial to recognise the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being. While medication may offer a temporary fix, it's essential to explore other avenues that can provide long-term benefits. Regular bedtimes, exercise, and creating a calm and relaxing sleep environment can all contribute to a better night's rest.

If you're struggling with sleep, consider speaking to a healthcare professional to explore non-pharmaceutical options that could help you. And remember, while the modern world presents new challenges to our sleep, it also offers innovative solutions. It's about finding the right balance and making sleep a priority in our lives.
We'd love to hear from you, our valued members. Have you noticed a change in your sleep patterns? What strategies have you found helpful in getting a good night's rest? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other achieve the restful sleep we all deserve.