Melanie Heath

How long have you been treating sleep problems?

I first started working in the Sleep Clinic with Dr Michael Gradisar in 2018.

Do you or your group have any data about your success rate?

Many years ago our Sleep Clinic grew out of a research laboratory, so we have conducted different studies over the years to check the efficacy of different treatments we use. This focus on research has ensured that we only use treatments that are shown to be effective.

Do you treat any other types of issues?

In addition to working at WINK Sleep Clinic treating sleep issues, I also work in the public health system with young people and adults with complex mental health diagnoses. But working in the sleep field and treating sleep problems is where my heart lies.

How long does it usually take you to treat sleep problems?

This is very individual, as every situation is different, and it depends on the person and what problems they, and/or their family, are experiencing. Typically, clients attend for 4-6 sessions. Although at times we may have up to 10 sessions if needed.

Roughly what percentage of people need to come back for a booster session?

Near the end of treatment, my aim is to equip clients with the information and skills they need to prevent the problem coming back, or to treat the problem themselves if it does return in the future. But if people prefer to come back for some one-on-one support in the form of a booster session, I’m very happy to do so.

What was the hardest sleep problem you fixed? (without giving too much detail)

A few years ago I helped a primary school aged girl who was awake for a long time during the night. There were a number of contributing factors which meant that, although the standard treatment helped, it didn’t quite fix the problem. Her mother and I worked hard problem-solving different ideas together before one day we suddenly had a “Eureka!” moment. It was exciting and very much a team effort.

I believe that people are the experts in their own lives and situation, and although I have expertise of the research and techniques that can help, it’s important for us to work together to determine how these are best applied to each person’s situation.

What was your PhD topic?

My PhD topic looked at the connections between physical activity, sleep, and mood in adolescents. Specifically, how exercise impacts sleep (time taken to fall asleep, sleep duration, and the timing of sleep), and how these changes to sleep impacted mood.

Have you done any presentations about sleep or spoken to the media?

Over the years I’ve done different types of presentations about sleep. I’ve presented at conferences in Australia, Canada, and Switzerland; I’ve taught students studying the Masters of Clinical Psychology at Flinders University about sleep treatments; and I’ve presented to the public about adolescent sleep in Adelaide and Brisbane.

How did you become interested in sleep?

I’d always struggled with my own sleep, all the way through primary and senior school. When I started at university there was a topic on sleep and I thought that by studying it I might be able to improve my own sleep, and it worked! I was also able to help family and friends sleep better with the information I had learned which just made me want to learn more to help more.

What’s in your typical bedtime routine?

I spend the couple of hours before bedtime in dim light, by turning off the overhead lights and only using lamps. Near the end of the night I will change into pj’s and brush my teeth. Once I’m in bed I will play some word games on my phone to wind down, then I will turn off the light and listen to a podcast or audiobook to fall asleep.

What’s your ultimate sleep goal?

Sleep is relevant to everyone, we all sleep (at least some of the time!), but when we have poor sleep it can have a big impact on our mood and lives. I’ve seen the difference improved sleep can have for people and I want to use what I know to help others.