International Nurses Day: Supporting the Sleep of Our Healthcare Heroes May 12, 2025 This International Nurses Day, we celebrate the extraordinary dedication of Australia’s nurses. Their commitment is unwavering, but the demands of shift work can come at a personal cost: poor sleep health. In Australia, over 1.4 million people work shift jobs, and nurses make up a large portion of this essential workforce.1 Shift work—especially night shifts or rotating rosters—can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, the internal clock that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. When this rhythm is thrown off, it becomes harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested—no matter how many hours are spent in bed.2 Over time, this can lead to a range of sleep disorders. Insomnia is common, where difficulty falling or staying asleep leads to fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating.3 Restless legs syndrome is also frequently reported by shift workers, causing uncomfortable sensations that disrupt sleep.4 Excessive daytime sleepiness can affect work performance, safety, and mental health. One of the most serious sleep disorders associated with disrupted sleep patterns is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and significant daytime fatigue.5 20% of the general Australian population experiences moderate to severe OSA, and many more are left undiagnosed.6 Symptoms can include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches, and feeling exhausted despite a full night in bed. For nurses, this can mean reduced energy, impaired decision-making, and a higher risk of burnout. Long-term sleep disruption is not just tiring—it’s linked to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.7 The encouraging news is that most sleep issues can be managed effectively. Whether it's adopting better sleep habits, adjusting routines, or seeking medical treatments like CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, there are proven ways to improve your sleep and protect your overall health. If you're dealing with persistent tiredness, disrupted sleep, snoring, or changes in mood or focus, don’t ignore the signs. Speaking with your doctor and arranging a sleep study could be the first step toward feeling better. This International Nurses Day, let’s do more than say thank you—let’s advocate for the health and well-being of our nurses, beginning with the sleep they so deeply deserve. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&C’s apply. Citations 1. “Shift Workers Eat More and Face Higher Illness Risk than Day Workers: Study.” Monash University, 8 Mar. 2023, www.monash.edu. 2. Cleveland Clinic. “Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Sleep Disorders.” Cleveland Clinic, 2010, my.clevelandclinic.org. 3. Mayo Clinic. “Insomnia - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 16 Jan. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org. 4. Mayo Clinic. “Restless Legs Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org. 5. Mayo Clinic. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 14 July 2023, www.mayoclinic.org. 6. Soenen, Stijn. et l. Sleep Health Primary Care Clinical Resource. “Australian Journal of General Practice” vol. 53, no. 6, 1 June 2024, pp. 349–355, https://doi.org/10.31128/ajgp-03-23-6779. 7. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Dangers of Uncontrolled Sleep Apnea.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020, www.hopkinsmedicine.org.
