After helping to establish a nonprofit organisation supporting disadvantaged young women, Michelle Chadwick chose to dedicate her time to a cause closer to home—one that was in urgent need of attention. As she began her journey, she quickly realised a significant gap in information, support, and education surrounding neurological sleep disorders such as Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) and Narcolepsy. Many individuals received a diagnosis but little else—no guidance, no support networks, and no resources to help family and friends understand the profound impact of IH on daily life. In Australia, there were no dedicated support services, no research initiatives, and no PBS-approved medications specifically for IH. Even the available treatments were often ineffective and, in some cases, worsened symptoms.

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While various organisations existed for sleep disorders in general, none in the world focused exclusively on Idiopathic Hypersomnia - so Michelle set out to change that. In early 2013, she founded Hypersomnolence Australia (HA), the world’s first nonprofit dedicated to IH. By March of that year, HA was officially registered as a Health Promotion Charity, committed to advocacy, awareness, and education. Its mission extends beyond improving the diagnostic process - it aims to enhance the level of care and support available to individuals post-diagnosis.

In September 2013, Michelle launched the world’s first IH awareness initiative, a month-long campaign that has since evolved into the annual Worldwide Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week® (IHAW), held every year from June 1–7. Hosted by HA, this global event unites individuals, medical professionals, and advocates from around the world.

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Michelle has also founded Living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia online support groups in Australia/New Zealand, the USA, Canada, and the EMEA region (Europe/UK, Middle East, and Africa), as well as the Living with Narcolepsy support group in Australia. These groups offer vital peer support through regular video meetings, creating a strong sense of connection and community.

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Since its founding, Hypersomnolence Australia has made remarkable progress. Today, HA collaborates with a range of professionals to ensure its resources are accurate, informative, and accessible. HA receives guidance from medical experts both within and beyond Australia and partners with other sleep-related organisations to expand its reach and impact.

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Michelle’s dedication to the field extends to research as well. She has co-authored two academic papers:

• Insights from a 10-year Australasian Idiopathic Hypersomnia Patient Data Registry Study

• Bedřich Roth: Pioneer in Sleep Medicine
   

Through her relentless advocacy, Michelle Chadwick has transformed the landscape for those living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia, giving a voice to a previously overlooked community.