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How Common are Sleep Disorders in Australia?

August 12, 2025

A good night’s sleep is something we all value - but for many Australians, restful slumber is far from guaranteed. Sleep disorders are surprisingly common, and they don’t just leave you feeling tired. They can affect your physical health, mood, concentration, and even your safety.

Research shows that around 22% of Australian adults have a doctor-diagnosed sleep disorder.1 The three most common are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia, and restless leg syndrome (RLS).1 But that’s just the tip of the iceberg - two in three adults report at least one sleep problem, and almost half have two or more.1

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA is one of the most widespread sleep-related breathing disorders, affecting roughly 20% of the Australian population.2 It’s more common in men, people with obesity, and older adults.3 OSA occurs when your airway becomes partly or completely blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing for short periods.4 These pauses - called apnoeas - can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, often without you realising.4

It’s more than just an inconvenience. OSA has been linked to serious health risks, including a 140% increased risk of heart failure, a 60% higher risk of stroke, and a 30% greater risk of coronary heart disease.5 The good news? Treatments like CPAP therapy - a bedside machine that gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open - can be highly effective.6

Insomnia

Chronic insomnia affects around 14.8% of Australians.7 It’s more than just the occasional restless night - it’s ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, often leaving you irritable, fatigued, and unable to function at your best.1 Over time, chronic insomnia can take a serious toll on mental and physical health.1

Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS is a neurological condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them, especially at night.1 While global estimates suggest it can affect up to 12% of adults, Australian data is more limited.8 A long-term health study found that 3.7% of men and 2.2% of women met the diagnostic criteria for RLS, experiencing symptoms at least five times a month with moderate to severe distress.8 Even at these lower figures, RLS remains a notable contributor to sleep disruption in Australia.

Why This Matters

Sleep problems aren’t just a nuisance - they’re a public health issue. Poor sleep can increase your risk of accidents, chronic disease, and mental health problems. Yet many people live with symptoms for years without realising they have a treatable condition.

If you snore loudly, often feel exhausted despite getting enough hours of sleep, have trouble falling or staying asleep, or experience unusual sensations in your legs at night, it’s worth talking to your doctor. You may need a referral for a sleep study to get answers and start treatment.

Bottom line: Sleep disorders are common in Australia, but they don’t have to control your life. If sleep problems are affecting your health, mood, or daily functioning, speak to your doctor - better rest could be life-changing.

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&Cs apply.

References

  1. Sleep Problems as a Risk Factor for Chronic Conditions. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Nov. 2021, www.aihw.gov.au.
  2. “OSA - Prevalence.” sleepprimarycareresources.org.au.
  3. Senaratna, Chamara V., et al. “Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the General Population: A Systematic Review.” Sleep Medicine Reviews, vol. 34, Aug. 2017, pp. 70–81, sciencedirect.com, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2016.07.002.
  4. Healthdirect Australia. “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.” healthdirect.gov.au.
  5. Girardin Jean-Louis, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: Role of the Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, vol. 4, no. 3, 15 June 2008, p. 261, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
  6. McCrimmon, Katie Kerwin, and UCHealth. “Overnight Cure for Poor Sleep: The Benefits of CPAP.” uchealth.org.
  7. “Chronic Insomnia Disorder in Australia | Special Sleep Reports.” sleephealthfoundation.org.au.
  8. “Restless Legs Syndrome.” Australian Journal of General Practice, 2023, racgp.org.au.