World Sleep Day 2021 is observed in March every year. It is held before the Spring Vernal Equinox each year. The exact date may change but tends to fall always on Friday every year. It is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Sleep Society founded by the World Association of Sleep Medicine. It aims to spread awareness about sleep benefits throughout the globe. The World Sleep Day awareness will also aim to reduce sleep problems for better prevention and management of sleep disorders. It is celebrated every year to call for action on sleeping disorders that prevails among different age groups of the society. The World Sleep Day Committee organizes annual events across the globe to highlight the importance of a healthy sleep cycle and ensure that maximum people invest their time in good quality sleep. 

History and Importance of World Sleep Day 

World Sleep Day was first celebrated in 2007. Later, it began following every year in March to bring about a spread of positive energy which we get from sleep. It highlights the importance of sleep in a person’s life to be healthy. Good sleep can improve the quality of life. Since 2007, we have been celebrating World Sleep Day as a global awareness event that is conducted by the World Sleep Society. The World Sleep is an internationally recognized awareness event bringing health professionals and patients together to recognize the importance of sleep. 

The theme of World Sleep Day 2021 

In 2021, this marks the 14 th annual World Sleep Day. The slogan of World Sleep Day 2021 is “Regular Sleep, Healthy Future.” World Sleep Day will incorporate this slogan highlighting sleep’s important place in our health. This message should be given out to the people so that helps in improving the physical and mental aspect of their life. Sound sleep is a very important part of our health. The purpose behind this is to improve the quality of sleep which can help achieve a healthy life. 

The perfect sound sleep 

The three important aspects of sleep which help in promoting healthy life are: 

The duration of sleep: The sleep should be sufficient enough with a good 7 - 8 hours which is very important to promote sound sleep. 

The quality and depth of sleep: The quality of sleep should be supreme which can give you enough rest and helps restore your energy levels.  

The continuity of sleep: Sleep should be continuous and undisturbed

The area and conditions of sleep: Make sure to have the correct environment which is perfect for sleep. There should be no disturbance in terms of light or sound. 

The thought process during sleep: Keep yourself free from any tension or stress related to your work during the day. 

Sleep disorders 

Good sleep is essential for optimal health. Sleep is a complex biological process. Disturbance in sleep can lead to many sleep disorders affecting health. Sleep disorder may affect your physical and mental health causing a lot of problems. The sleep problems are as follows: 

Insomnia: Sleeping less than 3 hours/day for more than thrice a week can lead to difficulty in falling asleep. 

Sleep Apnea: A breathing disorder in which you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more. 

Hypersomnia: A disorder in which you are unable to stay awake leading to narcolepsy or daytime drowsiness. 

Parasomnia: These are groups of sleep disorders where there are unusual ways of falling asleep. eg. sleeping while 

Circadian Rhythm disorders- A sleeping disorder with irregular sleep and wake timings 

How to achieve healthy sleep as recommended by The World Sleep Society 

• Exercise Regularly 
• Set the bedtime and awakening time 
• Use comfortable bedding 
• Do not eat heavy spicy and sugary food four hours before bedtime
• Try not to use caffeine six hours before bedtime
• Avoid alcohol and smoke four hours before bedtime