- Alexandra Whitwam - Youth, Community and Engagement Manager, Telstra Foundation
As many of us manage our ‘always-on world’, unfortunately sleep can become something we sacrifice. Whether it’s late-night emails, endless scrolling, or the pressure to be productive, many of us are trading rest for stimulation and it’s not always working in our favour.
And it’s not just us! Our 2024 Australian Youth Digital Index revealed that sleep is the number one health concern for young people navigating digital life. For them it’s more than issues with screen time – stress, disrupted routines, and the mental load of living in a hyperconnected world are contributing to a troubled sleep.
Why Sleep Matters More Than Ever
Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. It’s about:
Mental clarity – poor sleep affects memory, focus and decision-making.
Emotional resilience – sleep helps regulate mood and manage stress.
Physical health – it supports immunity, growth and recovery.
Digital wellbeing – sleep disruption can be a sign of tech overload.
Yet despite knowing this, many of us still struggle to prioritise sleep. That’s why taking a proactive approach t better sleep is essential.
What did we do about it?
In response to these challenges, the Telstra Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) launched the Do Not Disturb Sleep Challenge – a program designed to help young people reclaim their rest.
Over two weeks, YAC members tracked their sleep, tested science-backed strategies, and reflected on what actually helped them feel better. They used tools like sleep masks, Fitbits, blue light glasses, and even “brick phones” to reduce distractions. Read the Sleep Challenge report,
Take a look at how the sleep challenge went for them and their top sleep hacks in the videos below
You can download the Sleep Challenge Guide and read the Sleep Challenge Report now. Whether you’re a young person, a parent, a teacher, or just someone who wants to sleep better, we hope you’ll find something useful and maybe even a little inspiring.
Better sleep isn’t just about going to bed earlier. It’s about making space to rest, reflect, and recharge.
The Sleep Challenge was inspired by the 2024 Australian Youth Digital Index. Thanks to the PROJECT ROCKIT team, our Telstra Foundation Youth Advisory Council collaborators for their co-design of this challenge.
