Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, affecting around 69 million people every year. In Australia alone, an estimated 190,000–200,000 cases occur annually, with roughly 20,000 of these considered moderate to severe.
Last week marked Brain Injury Awareness Week, a timely reminder of the hidden challenges faced by the thousands of Australians living with a brain injury. Beyond the obvious physical and cognitive difficulties, one of the most frustrating and often overlooked consequences is insomnia.
When we think of stroke recovery, we often focus on regaining movement, speech, and independence. But one important piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: sleep. In fact, up to two-thirds of stroke survivors also experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition where the upper airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing.
A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a blow to the head—or even to the body—transmits enough force to disrupt normal brain function. While many people expect symptoms like headache, dizziness, or memory problems, one of the most persistent and often overlooked consequences is fatigue. This exhaustion can be profound, interfering with work, relationships, and daily life long after the initial injury has healed.
Sleep is one of the body’s most powerful healing tools. It helps restore energy, regulate mood, and consolidate memory. But after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), many people find that sleep—something once taken for granted—becomes one of their biggest struggles. In fact, research suggests that nearly half of people who experience a TBI go on to develop a sleep disorder
We often talk about healthy eating and exercise in the workplace, but one area that’s just as important for wellbeing-and often overlooked-is sleep. Poor sleep doesn’t just leave people tired; it affects memory, focus, judgement, reaction times, and even mood. In fact, being moderately sleep deprived can impair performance as much as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.
When people think about sick days, they often picture the flu or an injury. But one of the biggest silent contributors is something many Australians live with every day: poor sleep.
In today’s around-the-clock economy, shift work is more than common—it’s essential. From nurses to factory staff, truck drivers to retail workers, millions of Australians work outside traditional 9–5 hours. In fact, almost 15–30% of the workforce in industrialised countries is engaged in shift work. While society benefits, workplaces often pay the hidden price: reduced productivity.
When we think of workplace hazards, we imagine heavy machinery, wet floors, or faulty wiring. But one of the biggest hidden risks is something many people bring to work every day: poor sleep.
