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Sleep Awareness Week encourages everyone to prioritize rest and recognize its vital role in overall health every March. This annual event, created by the National Sleep Foundation, seeks to promote better sleep as a way to increase overall health and well-being. Take time to assess your sleep habits, learn about sleep health, and make positive changes for a more rested life.
Want to sponsor Sleep Awareness Week? Learn how
Expected Sleep Awareness Week Deals
As a Cause-driven observance, Sleep Awareness Week focuses more on education and advocacy than commercial deals. However, many sleep-related brands and health organizations offer special promotions and resources. Look for discounts on sleep aids, mattresses, and smart sleep technology from retailers like Sleep Number and Tempur-Pedic. Apps such as Calm and Headspace often feature free trials or premium content related to sleep hygiene. The National Sleep Foundation will provide educational materials and host virtual events. We will update this page with confirmed live resources as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Sleep Awareness Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SleepAwarenessWeek. Share tips for better sleep, cozy bedroom aesthetics, or your favorite winding-down routines.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #SleepAwarenessWeek. Join conversations about sleep health, share alarming statistics, or retweet expert advice from sleep doctors.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SleepAwarenessWeek. Post educational infographics, host a live Q&A with a sleep expert, or share personal stories about improving sleep.
Sleep Awareness Week Hero
William C. Dement
History of Sleep Awareness Week
It’s a well-known fact that your sleep schedule is directly related to your overall mental- and physical health. Launched in 1998 by the National Sleep Foundation, Sleep Awareness Week® begins at the start of daylight saving time when most Americans lose an hour of sleep. The change to daylight saving time reminds us to make beneficial changes in our sleep routines to improve our sleep health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 45% of Americans say that poor or insufficient sleep affected their daily activities at least once in the past seven days. The goal is to celebrate the benefits of good and healthy sleep and to draw attention to the burden of sleep problems and promote the prevention and management of sleep disorders.
Sleep loss is a big public safety hazard every day on the road. Drowsiness has the ability to slow reaction time as much as driving drunk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a cause of 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550 crash-related deaths a year in the U.S.
Studies show that sleep loss and poor-quality sleep also lead to accidents and injuries on the job. In one study, workers who complained about excessive daytime sleepiness had significantly more work accidents, particularly repeated work accidents. They also had more sick days per accident. It also plays a critical role in thinking and learning. Lack of sleep impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, problem-solving, and makes it more difficult to learn.
Lastly, sleep deprivation has a serious negative effect on your chances of cardiovascular health, putting you at risk for a number of life-threatening conditions. So, for your own safety and the safety of others, make sure you allow yourself the time to rest, and if you can, no better time than the present!
Sleep Awareness Week timeline
The Industrial Revolution no longer allows for laborers to sleep during the day, forcing Americans to adjust/compress their sleep schedules to one long rest, rather than two short sessions of shut-eye.
Nathaniel Kleitman, considered to be the father of sleep research, and his student, Eugene Aserinsky, discover rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Carl Jung's autobiographical book, "Memories, Dreams, Reflections," is published, in which he theorizes the importance of dreams.
The National Sleep Foundation is established to promote health and well-being through sleep advocacy and education.
The National Sleep Foundation establishes Sleep Awareness Week®.
World Sleep Day is founded by the World Sleep Society — an annual event to celebrate sleep and raise awareness around important sleep issues.
Sleep Awareness Week FAQs
When is Sleep Awareness Week?
Sleep Awareness Week 2027 is observed from Sunday, March 14, through Saturday, March 20. This annual observance is a crucial reminder to prioritize rest and understand its profound impact on physical and mental well-being.
How much sleep do adults need?
While individual needs can vary, the general consensus from sleep experts remains 7 to 9 hours for adults. Consistent quality sleep is more important than occasional long nights for sustained health benefits.
How many Americans struggle with sleep?
Sleep deprivation continues to be a widespread public health concern in America, affecting millions. Factors like stress, screen time, and demanding schedules contribute to this ongoing challenge, highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns.
What is the National Sleep Foundation?
Founded in 1990, the NSF serves as a leading voice in sleep health, providing valuable resources for both the public and healthcare professionals. Their work aims to foster a deeper understanding of sleep’s importance and promote healthier sleep practices.
How to Observe Sleep Awareness Week
Spread the word
Participate in Sleep Awareness Week® and spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag #SleepAwarenessWeek.
Get some rest
Put aside some time to treat yourself to some much deserved shuteye. If you’re one of the many who have difficulty getting to sleep, maybe set aside extra time to workout, meditate or other ways to help catch yourself some Zs.
Practice Healthy Sleeping Habits
There are many ways you can get yourself sleeping better, from regularly changing your sheets, to preparing for bed sooner, to eating earlier. Give yourself a new goal to improve your sleep health and enjoy all the amazing benefits of being clear-minded and well-rested.
5 SLEEPING FACTS
Sleep it off
62% of Americans try to “shake it off” and do nothing about their sleepiness.
The colors of dreams
12% of people dream entirely in black and white.
Hypnic jerks
The sensation of falling when half asleep and jerking yourself awake is called hypnic jerks.
Sleep personalities
Sleep experts have found a direct link between people’s favorite sleeping positions and their personalities.
Belly down
Sleeping on your front can aid digestion.
Why Sleep Awareness Week is Important
It keeps your heart healthy
Lack of sleep has been associated with worsening of blood pressure and cholesterol, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
It reduces stress
When your body is sleep deficient, it goes into a state of stress. The body's functions are put on high alert, which causes high blood pressure and the production of stress hormones.
It helps you lose weight
The hormones ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite, have been found to be disrupted by lack of sleep. If you want to maintain or lose weight, don't forget that getting adequate sleep on a regular basis is a huge part of the equation.
Sleep Awareness Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | March 8–14 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2027 | March 14–20 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | March 12–18 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2029 | March 11–17 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2030 | March 10–16 | Sunday–Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Sleep Awareness Week
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