WA university students say they’re juggling multiple jobs and sacrificing sleep to keep up with the cost of living.

With World Sleep Day approaching, researchers say prioritising rest is critical for both physical and mental health, but it’s not that easy for everyone.

Engineering student Bailey Broux says managing study alongside multiple jobs leaves him little time for sleep.

“On average I probably [get] closer to five and a half or six hours,” he says.

Mr Broux works around 30 hours a week at an aquatic centre, often starting as early as 5:15am, while also balancing another lifeguarding job, study and social commitments.

He says the lack of sleep is having a noticeable effect on his daily life, but the rising cost of living means he can’t afford not to work.

“I’ve definitely had experiences during classes where I’ve just fallen asleep,” he says.

“You’ve got to pay bills and stuff, rent, all of that.

“Sleep is definitely an afterthought.”

The Australia Bureau of Statistics reports all living cost indexes increased between 2.3 and 4.2 per cent in the 12 months to December 2025.

Dr Kathleen Maddison from the UWA Centre for Sleep Science says sleep plays a crucial role in health.

“Sleep is imperative; the bedrock for overall health, physical and mental wellbeing,” she says.

Dr Maddison says if students can’t get a consistent amount of sleep at night, short naps can help compensate.

The Sleep Health Foundation recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, but many Australians regularly fall short of this.

For students balancing work, study and social life, sleep can quickly become a low priority.