Sleep Insights with Dr. Jennifer Walsh and Dr. Kath Madison

Welcome to the first episode of the Science from the Field with BMedical podcast - a unique series that puts the spotlight on Australian research in sleep and respiratory medicine. In this inaugurate episode of our 2024 series, we are thrilled to present a conversation with guests from the University of Western Australia, Dr. Jennifer Walsh and Dr. Kath Madison.

As the Director of the Centre of Sleep Science at UWA and leader of the Sleep Physiology Research Team, Dr. Walsh dives into her current work on understanding and treating sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. She also sheds light on a study exploring medical cannabis as a potential treatment for sleep disorders.

Dr. Madison, with her deep understanding of the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea and novel sleep disorder therapies, shares her belief in sleep as the fundamental third pillar of health, right beside nutrition and exercise. 

In this episode, Dr. Walsh and Dr. Madison not only share their intriguing journey into the field of sleep research but also discuss their ongoing collaborative projects. They emphasise the societal and health implications pertaining to sleep, shift work, and the aviation industry, as well as advocate for the importance of sleep education. An exciting highlight of the discussion is the exploration of the potential of consumer technology for sleep management.

The discussion further delves into the recent studies on drug therapies for obstructive sleep apnea, underscoring the potential for personalised treatments based on individuals' unique risk factors and physiological patterns. By translating laboratory findings into real-world applications, particularly in the athlete community, sleep science holds the potential to significantly enhance performance by improving sleep health.

Finally, they share resources for understanding the intricacies of sleep, such as Sleep Health Foundation fact sheets and insightful books. Ultimately, this episode underscores the crucial, often underestimated, role of sleep in fostering optimal health and wellbeing.

To read the full transcript or the links for further reading, visit our website: https://bmedical.com.au/science-in-the-field-sleep-insights-with-dr-jennifer-walsh-and-dr-kathleen-maddison/