March 13
World Sleep Day
An awareness observance on the Friday before the spring equinox promoting the importance of healthy sleep and raising awareness about sleep disorders and their prevention.
Liborio Parrino and Antonio Culebras (first co-chairs)
Institutional Initiative
World Sleep Day was started in 2008 by a group of sleep medicine healthcare providers, with first co-chairs Dr. Liborio Parrino and Dr. Antonio Culebras. The inaugural event was held on March 14, 2008, under the slogan Sleep Well, Live Fully Awake, created to counter the belief that sleep is not a health priority.
Introduction
On March 15, we fluff up our pillows and slide into our most comfortable pajamas to commemorate World Sleep Day! A day dedicated to promoting healthy sleep habits, and raising awareness about the importance of good quality sleep for our overall health. The World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) introduced this observance back in 2008 and has since been making slumbers sweeter and night-time routines more revered! So, put on your coziest PJ's, power down your devices, and join us in honoring one of life's simplest and most satisfying pleasures - sleep. Off to dreamland we go!
World Sleep Day Timeline
How to Celebrate World Sleep Day
1
Treat yourself to a new sleep accessory
Buy a new set of silky pajamas, a plush pillow, or a sleep mask to help you get into the spirit. A comfortable environment can greatly enhance the quality of sleep, so a new accessory might just do the trick!
2
Set a sleep goal
Aim for the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Try getting to bed early and waking up naturally without an alarm. Starting this habit on World Sleep Day might encourage you to continue it going forward.
3
Create a sleep sanctuary
Spend the day decluttering and arranging your bedroom to make it a perfect place for relaxation. Use cozy blankets, calming fragrances, and ambient lighting to create your ideal sleep environment.
4
Practice a bedtime ritual
An established bedtime routine helps signal to your body that it's time to wind down and go to sleep. This could be anything from reading a book, to taking a warm bath, drinking a cup of herbal tea or practicing mindfulness and meditation.
5
Host a sleepover party
Invite friends over for a fun and relaxed sleepover. Have everyone come in their pajamas, prepare some light snacks and share conversations till everyone dozes off to celebrate World Sleep Day together.
Why World Sleep Day is Important
Promotes Healthy Sleep Habits
World Sleep Day reminds everyone about the importance of good and healthy sleep. It's the perfect chance to unwind, relax, and focus on improving our sleep routines. On this day, we celebrate sleep's vital role in our physical and mental welfare.
Provides Good Sleep Education
World Sleep Day offers an opportunity to learn more about good sleep hygiene. It raises awareness about the importance of quality sleep and how lack of it can affect our overall health. This day enlightens us about how to attain better sleep patterns for leading a more productive life.
Encourages Enjoyment of Sleep
Among everyday hustle and bustle, World Sleep Day reminds us to appreciate one of life's simplest and most satisfying pleasures - sleep. It's a day where we are encouraged to put on our coziest PJ's, power down our devices, join in honoring sleep and off to dreamland we go!
Holiday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Friday | |
| 2024 | Friday | |
| 2025 | Friday | |
| 2026 | Friday | |
| 2027 | Friday |
