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Resmed’s Global Sleep Survey Reveals Sleep is One of the Top Health Priorities, but Quality Rest Remains Out of Reach

  • Written by: Times Media

Insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries, including Australia, show global sleep health awareness is growing, yet an action gap remains 
  • 53% of Australians surveyed rank sleep as the most important behaviour for a long, healthy life, ahead of exercise  

  • Despite 61% of Australian respondents reporting 7+ hours of sleep a night, over half of Australian respondents (58%) get quality sleep on only four nights a week or less  

  • While 64% of Australians surveyed say they would seek medical help for ongoing sleep issues, just 22% actually do    

Resmed  (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), the leading health technology company focused on sleep, breathing and care delivered in the home, today unveiled the findings from its sixth annual Global Sleep Survey  

Drawing insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries, including Australians, the survey reveals a widening gap between recognition of sleep’s importance and action to improve sleep health. While over half (53%) of Australian respondents rank sleep as the most important contributor to long-term health (compared to exercise), many are not taking meaningful steps to improve their sleep quality.    

Sleep is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of long-term health1, with 81% of Australian respondents understanding that consistent, quality sleep can help extend a healthy lifespan. However, awareness has not translated into consistent results.   

Whilst 61% of Australian respondents say they manage 7 or more hours of sleep a night, the majority of respondents (58%) report getting a good night’s sleep only four nights a week or fewer, highlighting the persistent gap between knowing sleep is critical and being able to prioritise it as part of a healthy lifestyle.    

As sleep awareness grows, so does the opportunity to turn intent into action.   

  • Increased Sleep Tracking Raises Sleep Awareness Higher Than Ever: Sleep tracking has surged among Australians, increasing from 18% of respondents monitoring their sleep in 20242 to 40% using wearables to track sleep in 2026. Smartwatches lead the way, with 58% of Australians who track their sleep using them. Among wearable users, 63% say they would seek medical advice if their device flagged a potential risk.  

  • Following Through on Healthcare Provider Conversations Remains a Challenge: While 64% of Australian respondents say they would consult a doctor for persistent sleep issues, only 22% have done so. Fewer than half (48%) of Australian respondents say a healthcare provider has asked about sleep during a routine visit.  

The findings suggest a clear opportunity to improve education, screening and diagnosis so more people can identify sleep issues earlier and access treatment.     

How Daily Life Disrupts Sleep    

The survey also highlights the everyday pressures shaping sleep patterns worldwide.   

  • Making Sleep a Workplace Priority: 72% of Australian respondents report taking a “snooze day” — calling in sick after a poor night’s sleep and 63% agree that heavy workloads negatively affect their sleep. At the same time, 45% feel that sleep health is not prioritised in their workplace. 

  • Improving Sleep in Shared Spaces: 45% of Australian respondents report their partner’s snoring keeping them awake at night, despite this 85% continue to sleep with their partners most nights, with 64% never sleeping separately from their partner. Sleeping together is associated with stronger intimacy, resulting in a better sex life and emotional connections.  

  • Money Worries Top Sleep Loss: 90% of working age Australian respondents (18-49) say financial strain is directly impacting their sleep, overtaking family and work stresses as the top reason Australians lose sleep at night. 

  • Recognising Sleep as a Mental Health Essential: Insufficient sleep is linked to higher risk of anxiety and depression across age groups3. After a poor night’s sleep, more than a third of Australian respondents report higher levels of irritability (37%) and stress (33%). Feelings of depression also increased for over a quarter of Australian respondents (27%).    

“People are increasingly recognising sleep as a cornerstone to long-term health, which is encouraging,” said Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at Resmed. “But recognition alone is not enough. We need to help people move from awareness to action by addressing everyday barriers and improving access to screening, support and care.”     

Are you getting enough sleep? Read the full report to learn more about the trends impacting sleep.   

Survey Methodology  

Resmed commissioned an independent survey of 30,000 individuals across 13 markets: the United States (5,000), China (5,000), India (5,000), United Kingdom (2,000), Germany (2,000), France (2,000), Australia (1,500), Japan (1,500), Korea (1,500), Brazil (1,500), Poland (1,000), Singapore (1,000), and Mexico (1,000). The survey was developed in partnership with The Sleep Health Foundation (Australia) and The Sleep Charity (UK), leveraging their expertise to help identify and refine key focus areas. Samples within each country were representative of national gender and age distributions. The survey was fielded by Cint from 11 December 2025 to 14 January 2026.   

About Resmed    

Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) creates life-changing health technologies that people love. We’re relentlessly committed to pioneering innovative technology to empower millions of people in 140 countries to live happier, healthier lives. Our AI-powered digital health solutions, cloud-connected devices and intelligent software make home healthcare more personalised, accessible and effective. Ultimately, Resmed envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing, with care delivered in their own home. Learn more about how we’re redefining sleep health atResmed.com and follow @Resmed.  

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