Ways To Observe Sleep Awareness Week 2026

Sleep Awareness Week 2026 (March 9-15) promotes evidence-based sleep hygiene strategies and highlights how cognitive behavioral therapy effectively treats insomnia and sleep-related mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Tossing and turning again last night? Sleep Awareness Week 2026 shines light on why quality rest matters for your mental health - and reveals practical strategies that actually work.

Ways To Observe Sleep Awareness Week 2026

Medically reviewed by the ReachLink Clinical Team

Updated February 26th, 2026 by ReachLink Editorial Team

Disclaimer

Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.

• For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
• For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Support is available 24/7.

Sleep represents one of the most fundamental pillars of physical health, mental wellness, and overall quality of life. Yet despite its critical importance, millions of people worldwide struggle to achieve adequate, restorative rest. The difference between quality sleep and sleep deprivation can profoundly impact everything from emotional regulation to physical resilience.

Current research reveals that most Americans face significant sleep challenges. Beyond common disruptors like demanding work schedules and jet lag, even seasonal changes like daylight saving time can substantially affect sleep patterns. Recent surveys indicate that more than half of adults report feeling tired around daylight saving time, highlighting how vulnerable our sleep systems can be to environmental shifts.

Sleep Awareness Week, taking place from March 9 to March 15, 2026, offers a valuable opportunity to spotlight the importance of quality rest and explore practical strategies for improving sleep health.

Understanding Sleep Awareness Week: Origins and Purpose

Sleep Awareness Week, beginning annually on March 9, was established in 1998 by the National Sleep Foundation, an organization that has dedicated over three decades to researching sleep patterns, nighttime habits, and the wide-ranging impacts of sleep quality on health and daily functioning.

The National Sleep Foundation’s Mission

The National Sleep Foundation launched Sleep Awareness Week as a flagship initiative to educate the public about healthy sleep practices and the critical role rest plays in overall wellness. This annual campaign has become a cornerstone event for disseminating evidence-based information about sleep hygiene, offering practical guidance designed to help people achieve better rest.

Beyond promoting healthy sleep habits, Sleep Awareness Week serves as an important platform for raising awareness about sleep disorders—including obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia—as well as the physical and mental health conditions that can compromise sleep duration and quality.

World Sleep Day: A Global Perspective

World Sleep Day falls on March 15 this year, coinciding with Sleep Awareness Week. Organized by the World Sleep Society, this international observance emphasizes that healthy sleep is essential for overall health and well-being across all cultures and communities. The World Sleep Society coordinates global education campaigns to promote healthy sleep behaviors worldwide, underscoring that sleep health transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.

The Critical Connection Between Sleep and Overall Health

Sleep serves essential functions in maintaining and enhancing both physical and mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults obtain seven to nine hours of sleep nightly for optimal health. Teenagers require eight to 10 hours, while younger children need even more—newborns may need up to 17 hours daily, as sleep is fundamental to their growth and development.

During deep, restorative sleep, your body and mind undergo crucial processes of regeneration and repair. Health research suggests that getting adequate sleep is as important for health and wellness as maintaining proper nutrition and regular exercise—a vital component of the wellness triad that’s often overlooked.

Sleep’s Role in Mental and Cognitive Health

The relationship between sleep and mental health is profound and bidirectional. Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, a researcher at the University of Rochester, discovered that during sleep, the brain functions “almost like a kidney, removing waste from the system.” Her research team found that the brain eliminates proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease at twice the rate during sleep, suggesting that getting sufficient sleep may help reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Sleep deficiency has been linked to numerous mental health challenges, including depression, increased risk-taking behavior, and suicidal ideation. People who experience chronic sleep problems often struggle with emotional regulation, impulse control, and mood stability.

While some may believe that sacrificing sleep for productivity is acceptable, research demonstrates that intentional or unintentional sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for mental health and overall quality of life. Consider these significant findings from recent research:

• Approximately 65% of Americans who are dissatisfied with their sleep also experience mild or greater levels of depressive symptoms.
• Even individuals who struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep just two nights out of seven tend to experience more depressive symptoms than those without sleep difficulties.
• Half of adults in the US who sleep less than the recommended seven to nine hours nightly also experience mild or higher levels of depressive symptoms.

Physical Health Implications of Sleep Quality

Quality sleep affects virtually every system in the body. Research indicates that adults who consistently get seven to eight hours of rest have a decreased risk of obesity and high blood pressure. Conversely, chronic sleep deprivation can be harmful in multiple ways, potentially:

• Increasing risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Compromising immune system function
• Reducing insulin sensitivity, which can contribute to diabetes development
• Disrupting hormone balance throughout the body

Common physical symptoms of exhaustion include persistent headaches, decreased coordination, gastrointestinal distress, and widespread body aches—all of which can significantly impair daily functioning and work performance.

Practical Strategies for Enhancing Sleep Hygiene

Many people find achieving adequate rest challenging. Busy schedules, chronic pain, stress, poor sleeping environments, and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can all interfere with the ability to fall asleep and remain asleep. The following evidence-based strategies may help improve your sleep hygiene and overall rest quality.

Design a Sleep-Conducive Environment

Start by selecting sheets, blankets, pillows, and a mattress that suit your comfort preferences and physical needs. Additionally, optimize your bedroom to be dark, cool, and quiet. Research suggests that the ideal room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider using a sleep mask to block light and employing a fan, sound machine, or white noise to minimize sleep-disrupting sounds.

Reduce Screen Time Before Sleep

Working on computers, scrolling through news feeds, or playing video games before bedtime can overstimulate the mind, making it difficult to achieve the calm state necessary for sleep. Research also indicates that blue light emitted by electronic devices may interfere with melatonin secretion—the hormone that promotes sleep. Instead, consider reading a book, practicing gentle stretching, or listening to calming music as part of your bedtime routine.

Be Mindful of Substance Use

Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can all significantly disrupt sleep quality. Research shows that consuming alcohol before bed can compromise sleep quality and may worsen sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and sleep apnea. Similarly, both nicotine and caffeine are stimulants that can remain active in the bloodstream for hours after consumption, potentially interfering with nighttime rest.

Maintain Consistent Sleep Schedules

Studies indicate that people who maintain regular sleep schedules reinforce their circadian rhythm and typically experience better sleep quality than those with irregular patterns. A consistent sleep schedule means going to bed at approximately the same time each night and waking at approximately the same time each morning—even on weekends when possible.

Addressing Sleep Challenges Through Professional Support

When sleep difficulties persist despite implementing healthy sleep hygiene practices, professional therapeutic support can make a significant difference. Research demonstrates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective for treating insomnia. Studies show that people who receive CBT for insomnia experience sleep improvements comparable to those achieved with commonly prescribed sleep medications, but without the side effects or dependency risks.

CBT and other therapeutic approaches can also address symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions that may contribute to or worsen sleep problems. Licensed clinical social workers are trained in evidence-based therapeutic techniques that can help you identify and modify thoughts, behaviors, and patterns that interfere with quality sleep.

Telehealth Therapy: Accessible Support for Sleep and Mental Health

For individuals interested in exploring therapy to improve their sleep, mental health, or both, telehealth services offer a convenient and effective option. ReachLink’s platform connects you with licensed clinical social workers through secure video sessions, allowing you to receive professional support from the comfort of your home. Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy can be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy for addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including sleep difficulties.

Our licensed clinical social workers can work with you to develop personalized strategies for improving sleep quality, address underlying mental health concerns that may be affecting your rest, and provide ongoing support as you work toward better sleep health. If your sleep challenges require medical evaluation or prescription medication, your ReachLink therapist can provide appropriate referrals to qualified medical professionals.

Moving Forward: Prioritizing Sleep Health

Sleep Awareness Week provides a timely reminder of sleep’s foundational role in our physical health, mental wellness, and daily functioning. This annual observance offers an opportunity to increase public understanding of sleep challenges and disorders while promoting evidence-based strategies for improving sleep hygiene.

Whether you’re struggling with occasional sleep difficulties or chronic insomnia, taking steps to prioritize your sleep health can have far-reaching benefits for your overall well-being. From creating a better sleep environment to seeking professional support when needed, numerous pathways exist to help you achieve the restorative rest your body and mind require.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional.

Important Note: ReachLink provides therapeutic counseling services through licensed clinical social workers. We do not provide prescription medications, psychiatric evaluations, or medical services. If you require medication management or psychiatric services, please consult with a qualified psychiatrist or other medical professional.

FAQ

• How can therapy help with sleep problems?

  Therapy can address the underlying psychological factors that contribute to sleep difficulties, such as anxiety, stress, racing thoughts, and unhealthy sleep habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is particularly effective, helping you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep. Therapists can also teach relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene practices, and stress management strategies to improve your overall sleep quality.

• What therapeutic approaches are most effective for sleep disorders?

  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard for treating sleep disorders therapeutically. Other effective approaches include mindfulness-based therapies, relaxation training, and stress reduction techniques. Some therapists may also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help manage the anxiety and emotional regulation issues that often accompany sleep problems.

• When should I consider seeking therapy for sleep issues?

  Consider therapy if you've been experiencing persistent sleep difficulties for several weeks, if sleep problems are affecting your daily functioning, work performance, or relationships, or if you're relying on substances or unhealthy coping mechanisms to fall asleep. Therapy is also beneficial if your sleep issues are connected to anxiety, depression, trauma, or significant life stressors that you're struggling to manage on your own.

• What can I expect during therapy sessions focused on sleep improvement?

  In sleep-focused therapy, you'll typically start by discussing your sleep patterns, daily routines, and any underlying stressors or mental health concerns. Your therapist may ask you to keep a sleep diary to identify patterns and triggers. Sessions will focus on learning evidence-based techniques like sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation exercises. You'll also develop personalized strategies for managing pre-sleep anxiety and creating optimal sleep conditions.

• How does online therapy through ReachLink work for addressing sleep concerns?

  ReachLink's telehealth platform connects you with licensed therapists who specialize in sleep-related issues from the comfort of your own home. This can be particularly beneficial for sleep concerns since you can discuss your actual sleep environment with your therapist and even practice relaxation techniques in the space where you sleep. Online sessions offer flexibility in scheduling, which is important when working on sleep hygiene, and eliminate travel stress that might interfere with your sleep routine.