World Sleep Day with Dr. Eric Olson: Advancing Sleep Health and Awareness

Eric Olson, MD

World Sleep Day, observed annually on the Friday before the March equinox, was established in 2008 by the World Sleep Day Committee to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and the impact of sleep disorders. Each year, the event focuses on a specific theme, such as "Healthy Sleep, Healthy Aging" or "Sleep Well, Stay Healthy," aiming to promote healthy sleep habits and highlight the connection between sleep and overall health.

On World Sleep Day, experts and organizations host activities, provide sleep tips, and encourage individuals to prioritize their sleep hygiene. Simple changes like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment can improve sleep quality. The event emphasizes the need for professional intervention for those struggling with sleep disorders, helping to ensure better health and well-being for all.

In his conversation, Eric Olson, MD, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), discusses the importance of raising awareness about sleep health, emphasizing its critical role alongside diet and exercise in maintaining overall well-being. He highlights the dangers of sleep deprivation, which can lead to chronic health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition, Olson advocates for nonpharmacologic strategies to improve sleep, such as developing healthy sleep habits and addressing lifestyle choices. Overall, he stressed the need for greater awareness and education around sleep disorders, particularly those that are underdiagnosed, and calls for sleep to be viewed as an essential part of overall health.

NeurologyLive: Why is it important to raise awareness for sleep and the need to get enough of it?

Eric Olson, MD: Sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle, along with diet and exercise. It’s important that you learn how to balance all three, with the goal of getting at least seven hours of sleep per night. The Academy is working hard to raise awareness about the importance of sleep health because it’s something we often take for granted. The truth is, sleep deprivation is harmful over time and can lead to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even mental health conditions like depression. It’s essential that we equip people with the skills and information they need to get a good night’s sleep.

From a nonpharmacologic standpoint, how do we improve sleep?

There are a lot of nonpharmacologic strategies we can implement to address sleep health. The first line of defense is working with people to build healthy sleep habits, which includes establishing a consistent bedtime routine and schedule. We also recommend people look at their sleep environments and make adjustments that are more conducive to high-quality sleep, like keeping your bedroom dark and at a cool temperature. Finally, we want to address lifestyle choices, since what you do during the day impacts how you sleep at night. Basic things like exercising daily, eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can go a long way.

What types of initiatives or goals do the AASM have?

The Academy works year-round to advocate for the importance of sleep health. This year, a few of our goals focus on calling upon the federal government to prioritize sleep health research and education, advocating for people to discuss their sleep health with their PCPs to ensure they are directed to AASM-accredited sleep centers when necessary and highlighting the relationship between sleep and women’s health.

What are some of the greatest unmet needs for patients with sleep disorders?

One of the greatest unmet needs for patients with sleep disorders is that they are underdiagnosed and therefore underserved. For example, we estimate over 30 million adults in the U.S. have obstructive sleep apnea, and about 23.5 million of them are undiagnosed. That’s why we are prioritizing educating people about the big picture importance of sleep health, and that they should talk about how they are sleeping with their health care providers on an annual basis.

How can we continue to enforce sleep as a major pillar of health?

We must continue to talk about sleep health as an active part of overall health, not a passive activity. Yes, it seems basic, but addressing sleep health can significantly impact overall health, especially when it comes to reducing risk for chronic diseases.