Researchers from Monash University have connected experts from India and Australia to help improve the quality of life for people affected by sleep disorders.
Sleep researchers, physicians, representatives from professional sleep medicine associations, and delegates from Apollo Hospitals met at a roundtable at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi to strengthen engagement in health research.
The group will establish the Australia-India Sleep Health Collaborative Initiative to foster bilateral relationships and address mutual challenges in sleep health by promoting the implementation of sleep medicine clinics in India. There will also be a focus on developing innovative care models that integrate Ayurvedic principles with modern practices.
Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, Professor of Sleep and Circadian Medicine, Head of the School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia, co-hosted the meeting with Apollo Hospitals. Clinical Professor Garun Hamilton, Respiratory and Sleep Disorders physician at Monash Health, was also in attendance. Professor Rajaratnam said this collaborative and integrative approach presents a unique opportunity to address sleep disorders, such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and circadian rhythm disorders, on a global scale.
“This roundtable will strengthen Australia-India engagement in sleep and circadian health research by establishing a network of experts from both countries to facilitate ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange,” Professor Rajaratnam said.
“Addressing this growing public health crisis requires a multifaceted approach. There is an urgent need for personalised healthcare models and evidence-based, non-pharmacological treatments.
“This underscores the profound impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on overall health and mortality risk, and the importance of including sleep health as a core component of a preventive health framework.”
Professor Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals, Lt. Gen Dr Bipin Puri, Director Medical Services, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi along with their experts from Sleep Medicine and Apollo Clinical Innovation Group co-hosted this roundtable discussion meeting.
Mr Rajiv Vasudevan, CEO Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, led by his team of doctors Dr Zankhana Buch, Senior Consultant Physician, Dr Supraja Reddy, Senior Consultant Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Dr Meera Sathish, Senior Consultant Research also attended this discussion meeting.
They were joined by Dr Himanshu Garg, Respiratory & Sleep Physician, Australia, Dr B.P Singh, Ex-President elect of South East Asian Academy of Sleep Medicine (SEAASM), Dr Shivani Swami, Secretary of SEAASM, Dr Pratibha Dogra, President elect of the of SEAASM, Dr Viny Kantroo, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi and others.
Other key outcomes of the discussions identified priority areas for collaborative research initiatives in sleep and circadian medicine, leveraging the diverse expertise of academics, physicians, healthcare providers, and industry professionals from both countries.
Why is this collaboration so important?
Research has shown that insufficient sleep is a critical public health concern with far-reaching consequences. Reduced sleep duration is associated with at least seven of the 15 leading causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and accidents.
In India, sleep disorders have reached alarming levels, with recent studies indicating a substantial burden of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Estimates suggest that approximately 52 million Indians of working age suffer from OSA, with 29 million experiencing moderate-to-severe cases.
Compounding this issue, an estimated 37 per cent of older adults in India experience insomnia highlighting the widespread nature of sleep disturbances across age groups.