World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day History

World Sleep Day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of good and healthy sleep and raise awareness about sleep disorders and their prevention. The event emphasizes the significant impact of sleep on our overall health and quality of life, while underlining the negative effects of poor sleep routines and habits.

Established in 2008 by the now rebranded World Association of Sleep Medicine, World Sleep Day is recognized globally. For Americans, it reiterates that one-third of their life is spent sleeping, underlining the necessity for this biological function in maintaining physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Key concerns for the American public include sleep apnea, insomnia, and the overuse of medications for sleep, which affect millions nationwide. The day seeks to drive discussions, understanding and create solutions for these concerns.

In America, World Sleep Day is typically observed through a variety of educational and public awareness initiatives. These may include seminars, lectures, workshops, and informational sessions at schools, colleges, public libraries and community centers. They aim to educate the public about the importance of good sleep hygiene, and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. World Sleep Day is marked on the Friday before the Northern Hemisphere vernal equinox, making it a variable date, but commonly falls within the third week of March.

Facts about World Sleep Day

• The slogan for World Sleep Day in 2023 was Sleep is Essential for Health.
• Reports by the CDC show that adults aged 18-64 who sleep less than 7 hours per night are more likely to report chronic health conditions such as depression, arthritis, and asthma, compared to those who sleep more than 7 hours.
• According to Sleep Foundation, Hawaii reported having the highest percent of adults who get insufficient sleep, while South Dakota reported having the lowest percent.
• The short answer is at least 7 hours in length, but a truly restorative sleep depends on duration as well as continuity and depth. Understanding the impact of sleep on physical and mental health is more important than ever before. Share our commitment and amplify our mission to advance sleep health worldwide - Dr. Clete Kushida, President of World Sleep Society

In the News and Trending in the US for World Sleep Day

Top things to do in the US for World Sleep Day

• Get better sleep! Some healthy sleep habits are: establishing a regular sleep and wake schedule, eliminating disturbances, and getting an adequate amount of sleep each night.
• Browse activites for World Sleep Day by country.
• Improve your sleep through diet and exercise. Sleepfoundation.org suggests avoiding caffeine, getting regular exercise, getting sunglight, and not eating too late in order to help improve your sleep.