Shanthakumar Rajaratnam

Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, a leading expert in Sleep and Circadian Medicine from Monash University, discusses the modern sleep crisis. He highlights how technology and lifestyle changes have adversely affected sleep quality across generations. The conversation delves into the impact of caffeine on sleep health and the significance of understanding individual chronotypes. Rajaratnam shares practical strategies for optimizing sleep without medication, addressing common sleep disorders and the disruptive role of blue light from screens. Tune in for valuable insights into improving your sleep!

Shanthakumar Rajaratnam, Chair of the Sleep Health Foundation, dives into Australia’s sleep crisis, revealing that 1 in 10 Australians suffer from sleep disorders. He emphasizes the staggering economic burdens, estimating that inadequate sleep costs the nation nearly $75 billion annually. The discussion covers the global prevalence of insomnia and sleep apnea, their serious health implications, and the urgent need for public awareness and better treatment options. Rajaratnam also touches on the mixed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep health.