All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A day of sleep - paying attention to our health
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Every year the world celebrates World Sleep Day, which has been celebrated for more than 5 years on the initiative of the Sleep Medicine Association.
On this day, it is customary to draw people's attention to the main problem of modern society - various sleep disorders, which undoubtedly affects all aspects of a person's life and, first of all, health.
Sleep Day is celebrated annually, but the date changes every year - this year the holiday fell on the 18th.
Each time, the organizers associate the day of sleep with a specific topic, which should show the importance of this event. This year, the Day of Sleep is celebrated under the slogan "Good sleep is an achievable dream." On this day, the organizers promote full and healthy sleep, explain how important rest is for health and well-being, organize meetings and conferences where they discuss the impact of a full night's rest on the quality of life of not only one person, but also society as a whole.
Sleep is considered a special state that is necessary for the body to function normally. Research has shown that nighttime sleep consists of several cycles that replace each other and are important for the brain, a person spends about 1/3 of his life sleeping.
Scientists have proven that sleep helps restore short-term memory, psychological and physical condition. According to experts, it is enough for a person to sleep 7-8 hours a day, but with the modern pace of life, not everyone can afford to sleep the required number of hours, and due to a decrease in night rest, chronic sleep deprivation develops, the aging process occurs faster, and brain cells are destroyed. A day without sleep causes special chemical processes in the brain that contribute to the development of mental disorders, after two sleepless days there is a change in hormonal levels, disruption of neural connections, more than 72 hours without sleep lead to the destruction of brain cells. Scientists have found that with constant lack of sleep, the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, hypertension and some types of cancer increases.
Sleep disorders can manifest themselves not only in insomnia, but also in increased sleepiness, frequent awakenings, etc. Most often, sleep problems are a consequence of some disease, and a somnologist deals with the treatment of sleep problems.
In most cases, insomnia is treated with medication, and all drugs should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and not exceed the recommended course of treatment. It is worth noting that almost any sleeping pill has side effects, including addiction. But before prescribing medication, a specialist will recommend changing some habits - try to go to bed and get up at the same time (preferably fall asleep before midnight), do not drink alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, drinks with energy additives, sweet and hard to digest food (spicy, fatty) a few hours before bed, do not smoke. Also, to improve the quality of sleep, a walk in the fresh air is recommended, but it is better to avoid heavy physical activity.
Comfort during sleep is of no small importance - the bed and mattress should be comfortable, it is better to choose cotton bed linen that is pleasant to the body, the air and temperature in the room should be comfortable.
[