World Sleep Day: ‘Sleep equity for global health‘
This Friday marks World Sleep Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness among the population about the importance of sleeping well. The slogan for this year is ‘Sleep equity for global health,’ highlighting the significance of proper sleep for overall well-being.
Experts often emphasize the importance of getting a solid 8 hours of sleep each night, as it has numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Adequate rest influences memory retention and allows the body and brain to recover from the stresses of the day.
However, there are significant disparities in sleep health around the world, leading to health inequalities. The World Health Organization recognizes sleep as a complex biological process essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Without proper sleep, mental and physical health can deteriorate.
In Chile, neurologist Larisa Fabes from the Universidad de Los Andes Clinic discusses the prevalence of sleep difficulties among adults, with an estimated 60% reporting issues at some point in their lives. A recent study by the Somno Clinic found that over 67% of respondents experienced worsened sleep since the start of the pandemic, highlighting the impact of external factors on sleep health.
In order to establish a healthy sleep routine, Dr. Evelyn Benavides from the Bupa Clinic Sleep Center recommends specific hours of sleep based on age groups. However, the ideal number of hours can vary for each individual and should be assessed by a specialist.
As we observe World Sleep Day, let us prioritize our rest and strive for better sleep health to improve our overall well-being.