This year, the first Nobel Prize in the area of sleep science was won. The prize was based on important research that improves understanding of how the body clock (circadian rhythm) influences our body & mind – including why we feel so awful when we are jet lagged. At Sleep Matters, the body clock is one of the three factors …
Sleep Well Feel Well with mental illness Program receives award from Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS)
Dr Melissa Ree from Sleep Matters is part of a team from the University of Western Australia who have implemented a sleep clinic within the north metro mental health service. We’re delighted to announce that this service has recently been awarded a high commendation from the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHS). So many people with mental health problems also …
UWA research – Sleep skills group recruiting volunteers age 60+
Having trouble with your sleep? The University of Western Australia, in collaboration with The Australia Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, is offering a scientifically-supported sleep training program to adults aged 60 and over. This program is part of a research project looking at the relationship between sleep and thinking skills. It provides training in coping skills to improve sleep quality and quantity …
Sunday Times article – “Ignore Insomnia”
Perth’s Sunday Times newspaper yesterday contained an article on Insomnia, with the suggestion that its best cure is to ignore it. This is an eye-catching title and I hope it caught people’s attention. Of course the article contains a mixed message, as on the one hand we know that sleep is so important for health and wellbeing, but on the other, …
Improving sleep in children
Paul Jeffery from Sleep Matters presented a seminar to parents at Queensgate Medical Centre last month. He discussed aspects of childhood sleep and provided tips for improving sleep in little ones. Here is a summary of his talk. From the age of 3 up until the end of primary school its estimated that children spend around 40-50% of their lives asleep. Sleep is crucial …
What science says about sleeping on your (left) side
A common advice on self-help, health, and fitness blogs is to sleep on the left side. Of the variety of reasons provided, not many appear logically sound or scientifically accurate. As a result, it is advice usually dismissed as just another irrelevant urban legend. Science, however, has been out verifying the claims. Several studies support the benefits of sleeping on …
Clean up your Slumber: ‘Sleep Hygiene’ Printable tip sheet
Our infographic contains important tips for improving sleep and setting up a healthy sleep routine. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but is a carefully considered selection of changes that can have a large impact. Are there some challenges you could set for yourself from these? Try any change for 2 weeks and then evaluate how much it has helped. The …
Sunday Times: Perth’s problem with sleeplessness
The Sunday Times interviewed Perth sleep experts including Dr Melissa Ree from Sleep Matters for their article on sleep difficulties in today’s paper (page 20-21 and online). The article emphasises that sleep problems are very common in our high stress, high tech world and that this is true across the age span. The good news is that there are effective long term solutions. …
Mindfulness Courses to Calm Your Mind
Mindfulness Courses to Calm Your Mind Perth Mindfulness Centre (www.perthmindfulnesscentre.com.au) is a collaboration between psychologists Dr Mark Craigie and Paul Buttigieg. Mark and Paul are highly experienced mindfulness teachers specialising in teaching mindfulness practices to help people relax, calm their mind, improve concentration, and reduce stress. Learning mindfulness skills may also assist with improving sleep. Please go to Perth Mindfulness …
Australian Guidelines Recommend CBT for treatment of Insomnia
New Australian Guidelines for Insomnia treatment have recently been published in the journal Sleep Medicine. Dr Melissa Ree, Dr David Cunnington and Moira Junge from the Australasian Sleep Association have authored the document which reviews recent clinical evidence and recommends that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-Insomnia be offered as a first-line treatment for this common and often debilitating sleep disorder. The Australasian Sleep Association is the peak scientific body in Australia & …
Treating insomnia in severe mental illness – what does the research say?
In a new text book published this month, Prof Flavie Waters, Dr Melissa Ree from Sleep Matters, and Ms Vivian Chiu (UWA) have summarised the existing scientific evidence for the use of Cognitive behaviour Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) in people with psychosis. They have also developed the Sleep Well, Feel Well with Psychosis Program which is an adapted treatment for Insomnia. The book a details instructions …
Sleep Matters News – O’Connor office now accepting bookings
A good night’s sleep is a beautiful thing that feels great and keeps us running in top shape.As little as 4 consultations can get you or your child back to better sleep and feeling more energised.We’re very excited to be expanding our sleep services in the south of Perth. In a couple of weeks we will be opening our lovely new office …
