People experiencing poor sleep in conjunction with obesity face a significantly heightened risk of multimorbidity, defined as having two or more chronic diseases simultaneously, according to researchers at the University of Queensland. This alarming finding underscores the growing health challenges associated with lifestyle factors and an ageing population.
Professor Abdullah Mamun, from UQ’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, highlighted the widespread impact of multimorbidity, noting its association with increased mortality, healthcare costs, adverse drug reactions, and diminished quality of life. “Multimorbidity is a growing problem, especially in Australia, as the population ages,” Professor Mamun stated. “About 35 percent of Australians aged 45 years or older already have two or more chronic diseases, and rates have been steadily increasing.”
Rising Rates of Multimorbidity
The study focused on Australia’s middle-aged and older demographics, revealing a troubling trend. For individuals reporting poor sleep quality, the incidence of multimorbidity rose from 43 percent in 2013 to 46 percent in 2021. Similarly, for those with obesity, the rate increased from 46 percent to 48 percent. However, the combination of poor sleep and obesity proved particularly detrimental, with the likelihood of developing multimorbidity soaring to nearly 80 percent.
“This research emphasises how two important, common, and modifiable lifestyle factors are major contributors to the complex issue of multimorbidity in Australia’s middle-aged and older population,” said Dr. Syed Afroz Keramat, the study’s lead researcher.
Dr. Keramat’s findings affirm that poor sleep quality and obesity are significant risk factors for multimorbidity, suggesting that addressing these issues could play a pivotal role in preventing multiple chronic conditions. “Improving sleep and maintaining a healthy weight are not just about tackling individual diseases but are crucial for preventing multiple chronic conditions,” he added.
Implications for Public Health Policy
The implications of this research extend beyond individual health, offering a potential roadmap for public health policy. Dr. Keramat advocates for a community-led approach, where health initiatives are crafted with consumer input to achieve tangible real-world change. “The study suggests a community-led approach, where health initiatives are designed with consumer input, would be more successful in achieving real-world change,” he explained.
Such strategies could involve educating the public on the importance of good sleep habits and healthy weight management, alongside encouraging physical activity and reducing screen time. Additionally, early detection strategies, such as routine body mass index (BMI) and sleep quality monitoring, could be integrated into primary care settings.
Looking Ahead
This research represents a shift in focus from merely identifying health risks to actively addressing them within communities, potentially leading to improved health outcomes for middle-aged and older Australians. By prioritizing modifiable lifestyle factors, policymakers and health professionals can work towards reducing the burden of chronic diseases.
“Ultimately, this research can help shift the focus from just identifying health risks to actively and effectively tackling them within communities, potentially resulting in better health outcomes for middle-aged and older Australians,” Dr. Keramat concluded.
As Australia grapples with an ageing population, the findings of this study could inform future health strategies, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to health that consider lifestyle modifications as key components in the fight against chronic diseases.
