Flinders has hit the big screen, thanks to long term insomniac and popular international health science presenter Dr Michael Mosley.
Known for his previous work on diet, exercise and the workings of the brain, Dr Mosley selected the team at the Flinders University Sleep Institute to partner on his next public health discussion.
Launched by Flinders and filmmakers Artemis Media at the Piccadilly Cinema last week and coming soon to SBS, Australia’s Sleep Revolution with Dr Michael Mosley will bring science out of the lab and into lounge rooms around the country.
The national sleep crisis is growing. Four in 10 Australians are battling sleep issues, but Dr Mosley and the Flinders team are on a mission to get everyone a good night’s rest.
The series, which is co-hosted by Flinders University’s Associate Professor Sutapa Mukherjee, follows Dr Mosley and a group of fellow poor sleepers as they put their bodies, and their sleep, on the line in a world-first Australian sleep treatment program developed by the Sleep Institute team.
Dr Mosley believes there is so much that can be done to help Australia’s worst sleepers.
“I was very keen to work with the Flinders team, which is world-class, and to take part in this world-first clinical trial as an observer, but also a participant. It was a joyful experience and I learned a surprising amount, not only about the science of sleep, but also the real causes of my own insomnia,” said Dr Mosley.
“It’s a truly eye-opening series which I do hope will have a huge impact.”
Led by Professor Danny Eckert, the study saw participants undertake a rigorous clinical trial that included combining multiple sources of information from cutting-edge diagnostic and monitoring technology captured in the laboratory and home environments.
“It utilised clinical decision making informed by a multidisciplinary team of sleep scientists, doctors and psychologists, to ensure that each participant received the best tailored treatment solution according to their specific needs,” said Professor Eckert.
The premiere screening was attended by members of the Sleep Institute team, the trial participants and their loved ones, and key stakeholders from Flinders University, SBS and the South Australian Film Corporation.
Speaking at the event, Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling congratulated the team behind the program for their work, and detailed how the show is an example of Flinders’ mission to change lives.
“The amazing team of sleep researchers at Flinders University is shifting that narrative and this TV series will expose a whole new audience to the importance of this real-world research that is having a real impact on real peoples’ lives,” said Professor Stirling.
“The series not only serves to raise awareness of the important health benefits of a good night’s sleep, but showcases some of the cutting-edge research delivering treatments that help people sleep their way towards healthier, happier lives.”
The series, and the research behind it, were the focus of a feature article in The Australian newspaper last weekend. Check out the article here*.
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