Has your sleep been affected since migrating to Australia? You're not alone

Many people experience sleep disturbances due to stressors in their lives, including challenges associated with the migration experience. Issues such as insomnia and nightmares can affect both adults and children. Learn how to assess sleep quality, identify unhealthy sleep patterns, and determine when to seek help for yourself or a loved one.

Lack of sleep can cause mood changes and loss of concentration. Credit: Filmstax/Getty Images

Key Points

• Previous trauma, the experience of migration and settlement challenges are all factors that can impact your sleep.
• Sleep scientists define good quality sleep based on duration, initiation, and maintenance, but sleep is subjective, and needs vary from person to person.
• In both adults and children, if sleep issue becomes persistent and impacts daytime functions, it needs to be addressed with medical help.