Life expectancy is increasing, and with it the prevalence of sleep problems that can have a negative impact on waking function and comorbid disease, as well as increased healthcare usage and mortality. This research programme focuses on understanding and improving the sleep of older people, including those with dementia and their family carers. This research programme provides the first NZ-based data illustrating the importance and diverse nature of sleep problems with ageing, dementia, and caregiving.

This programme integrates multiple collaborators and projects across population groups (at-risk older people, Māori elders, Pacific Island elders, and care home residents) to maximise independence and push back the threshold of disability. Rosie Gibson is responsible for the sleep-related elements within this programme.

Funders: National Science Challenge Ageing Well programme grant

Academic Team: led by Professor Ngaire Kerse (University of Auckland), Dr Rosie Gibson (Sleep/Wake Research Centre) is a co-investigator alongside a multidisciplinary team of 23 from University of Auckland, University of Otago, Tū Ora Compass Health, Allied Health Scientific and Technical Bay of Plenty District Health Board, The Centre for Health, Auckland University of Technology, and Newcastle University in the UK.