National Sleep Awareness Week
Prioritize your sleep health during National Sleep Awareness Week! This important week raises awareness about the critical role sleep plays in our physical and mental well-being. Learn about sleep disorders, discover healthy sleep habits, and understand how quality rest impacts every aspect of your life.
About National Sleep Awareness Week
Prioritize your sleep health during National Sleep Awareness Week! This important week raises awareness about the critical role sleep plays in our physical and mental well-being. Learn about sleep disorders, discover healthy sleep habits, and understand how quality rest impacts every aspect of your life.
History & origins
National Sleep Awareness Week is an annual sleep health campaign organized by the National Sleep Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit founded in 1990. The foundation describes the week as a public education effort that began in the 1990s and is timed to coincide with the spring daylight saving time change, when many Americans lose an hour of sleep. Its exact first year is not clearly stated in the source material, but it was already being marked as an established campaign by 2007.
Why it matters
National Sleep Awareness Week draws attention to sleep as a core part of physical and mental health, not just a nightly routine. It also gives people a practical reason to check for sleep disorders, tighten sleep habits, and pay attention to risks linked to chronic sleep loss, including poor focus, mood issues, and higher accident risk.
How to celebrate
Establish a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it's time to rest. Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly environment - cool, dark, and quiet. Limit screen time before bed. Learn about sleep disorders and when to seek professional help.
Facts
- Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health
- Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function as much as alcohol intoxication
- Your brain cleans itself during deep sleep, removing toxins
- Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
- Most people need 15-20 minutes to fall asleep - if you fall asleep instantly, you're likely sleep-deprived
Upcoming dates
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Wednesday, March 10, 2027
- Friday, March 10, 2028
- Saturday, March 10, 2029
- Sunday, March 10, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Sleep Awareness Week in 2026?
National Sleep Awareness Week in 2026 is observed during the week of Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
What is National Sleep Awareness Week?
National Sleep Awareness Week is a public health observance focused on sleep education and healthy sleep habits. It encourages people to treat sleep as essential to wellness and to learn the signs of sleep disorders.
Who started National Sleep Awareness Week?
The National Sleep Foundation started it. The nonprofit organizes the campaign and has used it to promote sleep health and public education in the United States.
How do you celebrate National Sleep Awareness Week?
You can celebrate by setting a consistent bedtime, limiting screens before bed, and making your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. It is also a good time to read up on sleep disorders and talk to a professional if poor sleep is affecting your daily life.
Is National Sleep Awareness Week an official holiday?
No, it is not a federal holiday. It is an awareness campaign centered on sleep health and wellness rather than a day off or official observance.
Share
Help others discover this day by sharing it.