Alarming statistics about the physical and mental impact of poor sleep on the health of Australians are in the spotlight today on World Sleep Day with the launch of Blooms The Chemist Australia’s Biggest Wakeup Call challenge.
Statistics show that more than a third of Australian adults do not get enough quality sleep with the annual cost of inadequate sleep (2016-2017) estimated to be $66.3 billion. Sleep deprivation from conditions such as sleep apnoea affect mental wellbeing, clarity of thinking, work performance, relationships and even safety when driving or operating machinery, potentially putting the lives of others at risk.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation (2021), sleep issues are on the rise following high levels of disruption to our lives brought on by the change in lifestyle patterns due to Covid-19. Poor sleep hygiene affects our immunity which is vitally important during this time.
In response, Blooms The Chemist, is aiming for a national Wakeup Call record, shining the spotlight on the dangers of leaving sleep issues such as sleep apnoea unchecked.
Head of Pharmacy at Blooms The Chemist, Eric Chan, says alarmingly our communities are increasingly feeling the impact of sleep conditions such as sleep apnoea which affects one in 10 Australians.
“This World Sleep Day Blooms The Chemist has launched Australia’s Biggest Wakeup Call challenge as part of our mission to help Australians wake up and learn more about the devastating health impacts from sleep apnoea, of which 80% are undiagnosed,” says Mr Chan.
“A lack of sleep may lead to many health issues, not least of all an influence on the potential risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, depression, reduced immunity and even heart disease,” he says.
Sleep apnoea symptoms include loud and persistent snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing and choking or gasping for air.
“Marking World Sleep Day 2021, Blooms The Chemist is inviting Australians to take the Blooms The Chemist free online Sleep Quiz to gain insight into the sleep patterns within our communities in order to help them get a proper night’s rest,” says Emmanuel Vavoulas, Pharmacist and Head of Retail at Blooms The Chemist.
“At Blooms The Chemist, we are proud to have trained sleep experts across our pharmacy network who are able to support customers with guidance on solutions to reduce sleep apnoea and its associated symptoms,” says Mr Vavoulas.
To join Australia’s Biggest Wakeup Call challenge, take the Blooms The Chemist Sleep Quiz: https://sleepquiz.bloomsthechemist.com.au/http:/sleepquiz.bloomsthechemist.com.au/
