World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day History

World Sleep Day is dedicated to bringing attention to the vital role of adequate sleep in maintaining health and well-being. Created by the World Sleep Society, this program seeks to highlight the importance of good sleep habits and the need for addressing sleep disorders. It aims to spread awareness on sleep-related issues, such as sleep disorders and the social aspects of sleep-related problems, and to promote the prevention and management of such disorders.

The value of World Sleep Day extends to the people of the United Kingdom due to the widespread implications of poor sleep within this population. Broadly national surveys have indicated a significant prevalence of sleep problems in the UK, leading to concerns for public health and increased advocacy for comprehensive sleep health awareness. The World Sleep Society began World Sleep Day in 2008, and since then, it has been observed in various parts of the UK, echoing the global move to increase attention to sleep health.

In the United Kingdom, World Sleep Day is typically marked by special programming that includes public and healthcare professional education organised by local sleep societies and educational institutions. It often involves workshops, school programmes, and media appearances by advocates striving to inform the public about the vital role sleep plays in maintaining overall health. World Sleep Day occurs on the Friday before the Vernal Spring Equinox, a date decided upon to signify a passage to new beginnings, aptly aligning with the revitalising nature of sleep.

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.
• An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK have sleep apnea, but as many as 85% are unaware that they have the condition as it often goes undiagnosed.
• A survey by Ofcom found that about 80% of UK adults use electronic devices within an hour of going to sleep. This can interfere with sleep as the light emitted by these devices can suppress the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin.

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Read a boot to learn more about the importance of sleep:
  The Promise of Sleep - by William C. Dement
  Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams - by Matthew Walker
  Sleepfaring: A Journey Through the Science of Sleep - by Jim Horne
• Visit Sleep-Related Exhibits: Visit any museums or exhibits that focus on the science of sleep. For example, the London Science Museum often has exhibits related to health and the human body.