Researchers reveal youth sleep issues

RESEARCHERS from Sunshine Coast University have unveiled the sleep health of young Australians and its correlation with their physical and mental well-being, with 60 percent reporting irregular sleep hours.

The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, examined 1,234 young adults from Western Australia’s Raine Study, the first comprehensive investigation of sleep health in young Australians.

Results showed a significant number of young individuals experiencing suboptimal sleep, with 30 percent sleeping less than seven to nine hours a night and 18 percent taking over 30 minutes to fall asleep. Additionally, 60 percent lacked regular sleep hours.

The research also revealed that 25 percent were dissatisfied with their sleep, while 10 percent reported impaired daytime alertness.

UniSC clinical psychologist, Dr Alex Metse, highlighted the strong link between self-reported sleep satisfaction, daytime alertness, and mental and physical health in young adults.

The study underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues, considering their impact on mental and physical well-being, and promoting healthy sleep habits among the youth.

Antioxidant ‘bee glue’ discovery

By Julie Schomberg

UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast researchers have made an exciting discovery in honeybee hives that could lead to a new homegrown health industry.

They have identified 16 types of high-grade propolis, or ‘bee glue’, teeming with antioxidants and other beneficial properties.

Propolis is a sticky mixture used by bees in hive construction, containing beeswax, bee saliva, and plant resin.

The Australian beekeeping industry typically discards propolis, but in other countries like Brazil, China, and New Zealand, it’s harvested for multi-million-dollar industries.

The research, funded by Hive and Wellness Australia and AgriFutures Australia, suggests a potential new revenue stream for beekeepers and more industry jobs.

Propolis has diverse applications, including cosmeceuticals and dietary supplements.

The findings open up possibilities for strengthening the beekeeping industry and reducing reliance on imported propolis.

Further research is underway to explore its potential uses.