World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day will be observed on March 15th, 2024.
World Sleep Day is an annual observance held across the globe every year to highlight the significance of good quality sleep for the overall well-being of an individual.
It is observed on the Friday before the Spring Equinox every year and encourages us to prioritize rest and recognize the impact of sleep on our everyday lives.
Quality sleep is important for the utmost physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It helps the body to rejuvenate and recover, enhancing cognitive function and strengthening the immune system.
However, amidst the hustle and bustle of today's world, many people forget the significance of rest, which leads to sleep disorders and health-related issues.
The Origin of World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day was founded in 2008 by the World Sleep Society, which was previously known as the World Association of Sleep Medicine and the World Sleep Federation.
The World Sleep Federation (WSF) and the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) merged in 2016 to form one global group known as the World Sleep Society.
The World Sleep Federation was founded in 1988 and had seven main members, similar to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and others.
They represented over 12000 people and 53 sleep societies and organizations that organized educational meetings across the globe every four years.
Another International Organization was the World Association of Sleep Medicine, which had the same intention of improving sleep health worldwide. It consisted of 600 members, including 13 society members in over 40 countries.
Although the activities of both groups were different, they created an exclusive journal called Sleep Medicine, organized World Sleep Day offered professional certification exams for sleep medications, and established international standards for understanding sleep patterns.
All these activities are now part of the new World Sleep Society.
World Sleep Day has gained a lot of popularity and has garnered attention from researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public all over. Several countries participated in the activities with different institutions, organizations, and individuals who actively contributed to the success.
Over the years, World Sleep Day has covered a huge range of topics and themes related to sleep health, which often reflects research findings, emerging trends, and issues in the fields of sleep science and sleep medicine.
Benefits Of Sleep
- Adequate sleep supports immune function, promotes heart health, and aids in weight management.
- Quality sleep enhances mood, concentration, and cognitive function while reducing the risk of depression and anxiety disorders.
- During sleep, the brain processes and stores information, contributing to better memory retention and learning abilities.
- Restful sleep improves athletic performance, coordination, and reaction times, enhancing overall physical capabilities.
- Sleep allows the body to repair tissues, synthesize proteins, and release growth hormones, supporting overall growth and development.
- Sufficient sleep fosters emotional resilience and helps individuals cope with stressors and regulate emotions effectively.
- Consistent sleep patterns are associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Well-rested individuals exhibit higher productivity levels, performance, and decision-making abilities.
What to Do on World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day encourages individuals to reflect on their sleeping patterns and make suitable possible changes to take rest. It can include creating a new sleep schedule, a peaceful and comfortable environment, and doing some relaxation exercises before bedtime.
It also raises awareness about sleeping disorders, encouraging people to seek professional help for a better life.
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