Good sleep for health and well-being – World Sleep Day March 15, 2024

-Automatic translation

The Icelandic Sleep Research Society, along with the country's leading sleep experts, have been at the forefront in recent years, celebrating this day and raising awareness of the importance of sleep. The Directorate of Health has also participated and contributed to this awareness-raising campaign and conveyed the message on social media, seminars, etc., but not least through the health-promoting approaches of preschools, compulsory schools, upper secondary schools, communities, and workplaces.

To mark the occasion, The Icelandic Sleep Research Society will host a lunchtime seminar in the Hringsalur Landspítali University Hospital at Hringbraut, Friday 15. March 12:00 – 13:00 (entrance through the Children's Hospital entrance). The seminar is open to everyone

Good sleep for improved health – advice for you and yours

• The moderator is Michael Clausen

• Physical activity and sleep – Vaka Rögnvaldsdóttir

• Nutrition and sleep – Anna Sigríður Ólafsdóttir

• Mental health and sleep – Erla Björnsdóttir

Good sleep is a vital prerequisite for health and well-being. Sleep is essential for all of us to tackle the challenges of daily life. Sleep, including physical activity and nutrition, plays a significant role in the interaction of the determinants that benefit health and well-being.

We must create a routine that gives us flexibility to consider these critical factors. A good sleep routine is the most important thing for getting good sleep. It involves daily physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding caffeine (especially after two p.m.), nicotine, and alcohol, as well as limiting screen time just before bedtime.

Research in recent years has shown that Icelandic young people sleep too little, but the recommended sleep time for young people aged 14-17 is 8-10 hours. Research and analysis data have shown that almost 50% of adolescents aged 13-15 sleep 7 hours or less, and about 70% of young people in upper secondary school sleep too little. The recommended sleep time for adults is 7-9 hours; regular monitoring by the Directorate of Health from 2023 shows that 26% of adults sleep less than 7 hours a night. Unfortunately, there has been little or no change in sleeping time among adults in recent years.

The Directorate of Health has published recommendations that promote better sleep (Icelandic). These can be printed out and prominently displayed in schools, workplaces, and other places of work. It is also essential to familiarise yourself with the desired sleep time for each age stage (Icelandic).

Office of Public Health