In the lead up to World Sleep Day on 15 March, Audible has unveiled new research into Australians' sleep habits and behaviours and a fresh Sleep Sound series featuring numerous Aussie icons.

The new study revealed a significant majority of Australians are seeking new ways to improve their sleep, with 80% of respondents indicating they are looking for better sleep solutions. The research was conducted by YouGov on behalf of Audible, surveyed 1033 adults and found that 66% of Australians wish they could get more sleep than they currently do. Over half (53%) of the respondents admitted they often have trouble falling asleep, and 41% said they are eased into a restful night's sleep by listening to audiobooks, meditations, or podcasts.

The research also revealed most Aussies (85%) require close to a full eight hours to feel awake and energised throughout the day. The recommended amount of sleep for an average adult set by the CDC is at least seven hours, but 72% of Aussies recognise the importance of regularly getting a good night’s sleep, and consider the most important benefits to be thinking more clearly (51%), improving mood/relationships (48%), and reducing overall stress levels (47%).

In response to these findings, Audible is launching a new Australian Sleep Sound series, designed to help Aussies get better sleep. The series features Australian poetry read by Natalie Imbruglia, water-based meditations performed by Cody Simpson, and a bedtime story read by Pallavi Sharda. The series is part of a new Audible Sleep collection, which includes dedicated meditations, all-night soundscapes, ASMR, and bedtime stories.

"The right audio content paired with the perfect voice can be a screen-free gamechanger to help Aussies unwind and fall asleep," said Country Manager, Audible Australia, Ben Rolleston. "Knowing that more than half of Aussies often struggle to get to sleep, we’re delighted to release new, Australian-made sleep content to help listeners fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up in the right mindset."

Australia’s leading sleep expert, Olivia Arezzolo, highlighted the importance of adequate sleep. "Without adequate sleep, we are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and increased appetite. At work, productivity typically takes a dive, which then compounds the stress caused by lack of sleep itself," she said. "Listening to calming audio before bed, like meditations and sleep stories, can enhance relaxation and calmness, facilitating longer, deeper sleep."

The narrators of the new Audible Sleep Sound series also shared their thoughts on the importance of sleep.

"Good quality sleep is the most important gift we can give ourselves," said Imbruglia. Simpson, who is also a training athlete, emphasised the importance of quality sleep for effective recovery.

"Sleep is such an important part of our lives, especially in our society where hyper-productivity seems to be constantly rewarded," Sharda added.