World Sleep Day…when napping is welcome!

A day celebrating sleep? Count us in.

Since 2008 the World Sleep Society has been calling for people around the world to take part in World Sleep Day – an annual event organised to encourage and educate people on the importance of sleep and how to achieve better sleep.

World Sleep Day strives to inform people of the benefits of healthy sleep, while simultaneously drawing people’s attention to various sleep disorders. The ultimate goal is better world-wide health and optimal quality of life thanks to great quality sleep.

This year World Sleep Day is celebrated on the 19th of March.

What does World Sleep Day 2021 stand for?

World Sleep Day has a new slogan for each year and this year the slogan is “Regular Sleep, Healthy Future”.

2021 is all about regular sleep and the multiple benefits that are harvested from consistent bedtimes and waking up times. Everyone, at one point or another, has felt the effects of poor sleep and how it dampens mood and makes getting through the day with depleted energy stores hard work. When we fail to clock in regular sleep, the effect on our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing can be dire.

When you prioritise regular healthy sleep, you are not just investing in having a good day, but you are securing health benefits for the future, ranging from cognitive functions to hormone and cardiovascular regulations.

Achieve better, regular sleep

To achieve better sleep, we need to bear in mind that the timing and length of sleep hang in the balance of two processes: circadian regulation and homeostatic control. Or in other words, our internal clock powered by light and a sleep-inducing hormone (melatonin), and the accumulation of sleep-promoting substances in our brain.

For example, bright lights keep us awake for longer while long naps chase away sleep in the evening.

How to make science work in your favour? Dim lights in the evening and keep naps under 45 minutes. And aim to keep your bedtime and rising time consistent!

Naturally, external factors have an impact on our sleep too. Heavy meals, alcohol and caffeine are regular offenders in harming healthy sleep.

Daytime exercise, a comfortable mattress, and a suitable bedroom temperature, on the other hand, give sleep a helping hand.

Celebrate World Sleep Day

Join Aspire and the World Sleep Society in sleeping well this World Sleep Day, and make ‘Regular Sleep, Healthy Future’ your bedtime motto.

Also, why not be a sleep advocate… Tell us your best tip for better sleep on our Facebook page!