As World Sleep Day 2024 approaches on March 15, with the theme “Sleep Equity for Global Health”, the significance of sleep in maintaining overall health and wellbeing is highlighted. The World Sleep Society, organisers of the event established in 2008, aims to draw attention to sleep disparities worldwide and advocate for equitable access to quality sleep for all. Over 60% of adults globally are reported to be dissatisfied with their sleep, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep health.

Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, co-chair of World Sleep Day, alongside Dr. Fang Han, emphasizes the need for public efforts to reduce sleep disparities and improve global wellness. Individuals are encouraged to participate in educational programs and activities promoting better sleep habits, available through the World Sleep Day website.

Experts advise building a consistent pre-bedtime routine, adhering to a regular sleep schedule, limiting screen time before bed, and engaging in physical activities to enhance sleep quality. Furthermore, addressing undiagnosed health conditions such as sleep apnoea, where obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common form, can significantly impact sleep health. OSA, characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, can lead to long-term health issues if untreated. Lifestyle changes and specific treatments like CPAP machines are recommended for managing symptoms.

Simultaneously, the wellness industry’s focus on blood sugar levels has intensified, with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) gaining popularity among the health-conscious. Companies like Zoe and Nutrisense offer CGMs, making it possible for users to monitor their glucose levels in near-real-time. The devices, which analyze sugar in the interstitial fluid, come with subscription plans ranging from approximately $229 to $299 per month. While CGMs are marketed for stabilizing blood sugar levels to improve health, their benefits for non-diabetic individuals remain debated. Nevertheless, for those with a family history of diabetes or symptoms of insulin resistance, CGMs have been proven useful in managing dietary choices and preventing the progression to type two diabetes. However, the use of CGMs among healthy individuals is scrutinised for its effectiveness in combating the global rise of diabetes, especially considering its cost and the potential for anxiety over blood sugar levels.

In summary, as World Sleep Day nears, the focus spans from the essentials of cultivating optimal sleep routines to the rising interest in monitoring health metrics, such as blood sugar levels, for overall wellbeing. These initiatives stress the importance of addressing both sleep health disparities and innovative approaches to preventive healthcare.