Tasmanian REM sleep study making global impact
Sam Bramich, Chief Investigator, is exploring how REM sleep disorders relate to Parkinson’s disease.
Tasmanian research is making its mark on the world stage, with Sam Bramich’s groundbreaking REM sleep study attracting international recognition for its contribution to understanding Parkinson’s disease.
Supported by the Clifford Craig Foundation, Sam’s research is exploring how REM sleep disorders relate to Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Sleep disturbances can be an early and significant feature of these conditions, affecting quality of life for patients and placing additional strain on families and carers. By improving understanding in this area, Sam’s work has the potential to inform earlier recognition, better support and future research into neurological health.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project is its mobile research design. Rather than requiring participants to travel to a major clinical centre, the study has enabled Tasmanians living in rural and remote communities to take part. This approach removes a major barrier to participation and ensures that people outside metropolitan areas are included in research that may ultimately benefit them.
For Tasmania, this matters. Rural and regional communities are often underrepresented in clinical research, meaning findings may not always reflect the experiences of people living outside larger cities. Sam’s inclusive approach has helped build a more diverse dataset, strengthening the relevance of the research and demonstrating how thoughtful study design can make science more accessible.
Sam’s commitment is also personal. Her father’s early-onset dementia diagnosis inspired her interest in neurological conditions and the ways they affect sleep, families and daily life. That experience has shaped her determination to ensure research is meaningful, practical and connected to the people it aims to help.
Her dedication has now been recognised by the prestigious Michael J. Fox Foundation, which invited Sam to present her work at the World Sleep Symposium in Singapore. This opportunity places Northern Tasmanian research firmly in the international spotlight and highlights the value of collaboration between local researchers and global leaders in Parkinson’s disease research.
Reflecting on the achievement, Sam said:
“It’s incredible to see research from Tasmania contributing to global understanding. This opportunity shows what’s possible when we work together to make science accessible to everyone.”