In This Issue...

President's update on COVID-19 and Sleep DownUnder

Latest COVID-19 resources

Online forum - how sleep services are coping with COVID-19 

President's update on COVID-19 and Sleep DownUnder

ASA’s President, Alan Young delivered an update to members on COVID-19 and the postponement of this year’s Sleep DownUnder to 10-13 October 2021 in Brisbane.
View President's message from 16 April above or read the text

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Latest COVID-19 resources

ASA and the Sleep Health Foundation (SHF) have new resources available to  support members in relation to COVID-19. 

Minding health care workers is a helpful article by Margie Stutchbery on psychological responses of health care workers during the current pandemic. 

A new section on the ASA COVID-19 resources page highlights useful information for patients. It includes new SHF fact sheets Getting good sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic and Coronavirus and using CPAP treatment for sleep apnoea.

View the ASA COVID-19 resources page for clinicians 

View the SHF COVID-19 resources page for patients and the public

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Online forums - how sleep services are coping with COVID-19

ASA’s first online discussion forum to discuss how sleep services are going in the current COVID-19 environment was held on 9 April. You can view a recording of the meeting on our website. You will need to be logged in as a member to access the recording.

With recent announcements relaxing restrictions on elective surgery, ASA guidelines are under review. A second forum will be announced soon to discuss the various options. More information will be available shortly.

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Temporary MBS item numbers for sleep studies

The ASA recently wrote to Health Minister Greg Hunt and the Depatment of health to propose a temporary amendment to MBS sleep study item numbers, to allow ongoing access to sleep health care for all Australians. View the letter to Minister Hunt

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ASMR - Protect health and medical research in Australia through the COVID-19 crisis

Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) has released a call to government asking for a one-off crisis intervention of $400M to the NHMRC to enable a 6-month extension to currently-funded research grants. This will help to retain the current workforce and provide sufficient opportunity for the very best research (as determined previously by peer review) to deliver the intended benefits for the nation. You’re invited to distribute the message among colleagues and consider writing directly to your local member.

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Sleep in the time of COVID-19 research studies

Project title: Sleep in the Time of COVID-19: Impact of a global pandemic on sleep and wake behaviour

Monash University researchers are seeking adults, aged 18 years and over, to complete a survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 and self-isolation on sleep, mood and daily routines.

This study involves: 

• Completing a 20-minute online survey  
• An optional 14-day online sleep and wake diary (5 minutes each day) 

Interested in participating? Click here for further details.
Participants have a chance to win a $50 gift voucher. This study is approved by the Monash University HREC #24018

Project title: Sleep in the Time of COVID-19: Impact of a global pandemic on insomnia
If you are currently experiencing sleep difficulties, or have in the past, this study is for you!
Researchers from Monash and RMIT University are seeking adults, aged over 18 years to complete a 20-minute online survey investigating the impact of COVID-19 and self-isolation on insomnia symptoms, mood and daily routines, and how these change over time. People who complete the survey go in the lucky draw to win a $50 gift voucher! 

Interested in participating? Click here for further details.

This study is approved by the Monash University HREC #24018

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Respiratory Research Review 

The latest edition of Respiratory Research Review features a number of articles focused on COVID-19; assessing the clinical course, risk factors for mortality and estimated risk of death in China. Click here to view 

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Sleep Medicine Journal - call for papers 

Sleep Medicine Journal is seeking papers for a special issue on “Pediatric Sleep Around The World” and will be focused to paediatric sleep in Australia and New Zealand. 
Click for more details

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Have a great sleep quote? Send it in to [email protected]

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