Prioritising Sleep: Insights from Adrian Zacher

In a recent episode of #LincsLivesNatters, Shelley and Mandy sat down with Adrian Zacher, an expert in the sleep industry and author of Doze and Die: A Deadly Wake-up Call. With over 30 years of experience, Adrian shared valuable insights into the hidden dangers of sleep deprivation, how it impacts our lives, and why addressing it should be a priority for both individuals and healthcare professionals.

Why Sleep Is Essential

“Don’t trivialise sleep,” Adrian urged, setting the tone for the conversation. He shared a perspective on how sleep is often overlooked in comparison to other health pillars. “You can go without food for about a week before you really experience any major consequences. You suffer, and the word is suffer, one night without sleep, you are messed up.”

Adrian outlined the profound impact of inadequate sleep, ranging from metabolic disruption to risks of type 2 diabetes, strokes, and cardiovascular issues. He also discussed the dangers of untreated sleep apnoea, vividly explaining, “Apnoea is a Greek word for cessation of breathing… you are suffocating… the symptoms you'd be looking for are the silent pauses between the snores.”

A Story with a Purpose: Doze and Die

Adrian’s novel, Doze and Die: A Deadly Wake-up Call, uses fiction to bring attention to the real-life consequences of undiagnosed sleep disorders. Adrian explained his motivation: “Fiction gave me the opportunity, the license, if you will, to join the dots.”

One critical issue the book addresses is drowsy driving. Adrian highlighted this stark reality: “There’s no brake marks, no skid marks—it’s a giveaway. Someone has fallen asleep at the wheel.” His storytelling creates a sense of urgency about recognising the risks associated with sleep deprivation.

Empowering Pharmacists for Better Sleep Health

One of Adrian’s major focuses is on equipping pharmacists with better tools and knowledge to tackle sleep issues in their communities. “I focus on pharmacy because pharmacies have the geographic reach. They have GP deserts in parts of the country… but you can access a pharmacy” he said. However, Adrian highlighted a significant barrier: “I think it's fair to say pharmacists are misinformed… They've been misinformed by purveyors of over-the-counter products that tell them that these are the cures and the solution”.

Through the British Society Pharmacy Sleep Services (BSPSS), Adrian provides free evidence-based education. He stressed its importance: “the biggest role they can play really is in signposting… putting the right patient in the right place at the right time, but they can only do that with knowledge.” Pharmacists, in Adrian’s view, represent an underutilised frontline resource in the fight against undiagnosed sleep disorders.

Recognising Issues Early

Adrian encouraged parents to pay attention to their children’s sleep patterns, cautioning, “Children should not snore.” He explained that while occasional snoring during illness may be harmless, persistent snoring is often a warning sign of more significant issues. “if they routinely snore, there's a problem… do something about it. Get in front of your GP and keep pushing. Record them with your phone.” he advised.

Moving Forward with Education and Awareness

Adrian underscored the need for sleep to be fully integrated into healthcare education programs. “You can link sleep disorders to pretty much everything. Every chronic disease.” he said, emphasising its critical role in overall health. He likened sleep to one leg of a three-legged stool, stating, “It's a cliché thing within the sleep industry. The three-legged stool of exercise, food or nutrition and sleep. You can't lose one of those legs of the stool. It falls over.” Adrian is optimistic about the future and determined to see sleep gain equal recognition alongside diet and exercise in both public and professional spheres.

A Wake-Up Call for Us All

Adrian Zacher’s insights reinforce how vital sleep is to health, safety, and quality of life. By addressing conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea, empowering pharmacists to take proactive roles, and advocating for early recognition of issues, Adrian offers a roadmap to better sleep awareness.

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of well-being that we ignore at our peril. It is time we treat it with the respect it deserves—for our own health and the safety of others.

Listen to the full episode here

#SleepHealth #MentalHealth #HealthAwareness #WellBeing #LincsLivesNatters