World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day History

World Sleep Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of quality sleep to overall health and wellbeing. Sponsored by the World Sleep Society, it aims to lessen the burden of sleep disorders through prevention and management, which often remain undiagnosed and untreated. For Australians, this observance highlights critical areas such as improving education around sleep health, the link between sleep and mental fitness, and the impact of lifestyle factors on sleep quality.

The inception of World Sleep Day dates back to 2008, and with each passing year, it garners more recognition and participation worldwide. For Australia, where around 40% of adults experience inadequate sleep, this day has substantial relevance. Given Australia's high rates of sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea, it plays an important role in promoting the importance of good sleep hygiene. Moreover, World Sleep Day also underscores the correlation between sleep disorders and chronic illnesses prevalent in Australia, like diabetes and heart disease.

World Sleep Day is traditionally marked in Australia with robust awareness campaigns, expert-led discussions, and sleep-hygiene workshops. Several health practitioners and researchers leverage the occasion to share their insights and offer actionable tips for better sleep hygiene. From health institutions to schools and workplaces, it's an observance that is intertwined with a broad stroke of promotional activities. It usually occurs on the Friday before the March Equinox, which falls approximately around 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.
• Around 20% to 30% of children and adolescents in Australia experience sleep problems. It can affect their overall cognitive development, learning abilities and general health.
• Australia has one of the highest rates of sleep apnea in the world and a lot of focus is placed on this sleep disorder during World Sleep Day events in the country.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Sleep Day

Top things to do in Australia 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 book to learn more about the importance of sleep:
  Sleep Disorders in Australia - by Anne Jackson and Peter Eastwood
  Sleep Health - by Kevin J. Morgan and Maree Barnes
  The Secret World of Sleep: The Surprising Science of the Mind at Rest - by Penelope A. Lewis
• Yoga or Meditation: Participate in yoga or meditation classes that promote good sleep. Some studios might also offer special sessions for sleep relaxation.