Global Interventions
Sleep and UN Sustainable Development Goal #3
The Unites Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal #3 states, “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” As this resource presents, sleep serves a variety of functions that are vital for the daily and long-term well-being of every individual around the globe. Sleep disruption is a growing worldwide problem that leads to many fatalities, the increased risk of common neurodegeneration, and dangerously detracts from global well-being. By addressing this concern, spreading knowledge about the relationship between sleep and cognitive well-being, and fostering healthy sleep habits, we can propel ourselves several steps closer towards achieving global well-being.
Global Actions & Changes
In order to improve worldwide health through the power of sleep, we must first incite a global movement for improving sleep and raising awareness for its importance. This can be most effectively achieved by starting awareness campaigns, improving sleep education for the general public as well as many medical professionals who are not familiar with sleep monitoring, and bringing changes to school and workplace schedules. The following are some research-based global interventions that can lead us to better sleep:
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Educate people about sleep hygiene and healthy sleep practices, including consistent bedtime routines, healthy sleep environments, and avoiding technology close to sleep time.
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Make education about the importance of sleep and the negative consequences of poor sleep more widespread through public initiatives and awareness campaigns.
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Spread the knowledge of sleep hygiene and its importance to underserved populations and developing countries through volunteers and health professionals.
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Encourage and teach a large number of health professionals to screen and counsel for sleep problems.
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Integrate sleep education into school curricula.
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Adjust school timings for middle and high school students to ensure sufficient sleep in adolescence.
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Improve the monitoring of sleep quality in younger children in order to establish healthy practices early in life.
How To Contribute
Every global initiative starts with individuals like you. Although it may seem difficult to change the world, the possibility of this happening increases with every step you take. There are many ways you can help move the campaign for better sleep and global well-being forward:
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Incorporate sleep hygiene into your everyday life. Now that the message has reached you, it is important to act upon it!
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Educate your friends and family members, and encourage them to adopt healthy sleep habits.
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Find ways to raise awareness in your local community - this could include starting a campaign, giving presentations at schools, workplaces, or community events, or collaborating with local organizations.
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Donate to or raise awareness and funds for local, national, or global organizations that are dedicated to sleep education. Examples include the World Sleep Society, the National Sleep Foundation, the International Sleep Charity, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
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Participate in existing local, national, or global sleep awareness events, such as National Sleep Awareness Week.
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Contribute to the global sleep mission through creativity and innovation - this could include designing products for sleep awareness, starting a website, nonprofit, or educational blog, or starting a club dedicated to sleep education at school.
The change starts with you.
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References
Perry, Geraldine S., et al. “Raising Awareness of Sleep as a Healthy Behavior.” Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 10, no. 130081, 2013, doi:10.5888/pcd10.130081.