On March 16th, the Chinese Sleep Research Society launched the World Sleep Day annual theme for China, "Healthy Sleep, Shared by All," in Beijing, kicking off a large-scale public education campaign nationwide. The "2023 China Resident Sleep White Paper" released at the event indicates that the overall sleep quality of Chinese residents is lacking.
World Sleep Day falls on March 21st each year. It was introduced to China by the Chinese Sleep Research Society in 2003, aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of healthy sleep.
Sleep accounts for about one-third of a person's life, and sleep-wake disorders are a significant public health issue affecting all of humanity. Extensive research shows that poor sleep can lead to endocrine disorders, abnormalities in blood pressure and lipids, drowsiness, lack of energy, anxious and depressive moods, decreased immunity, hair loss, haggardness, accelerated aging, and the occurrence and progression of diseases, including tumors.
According to a joint survey by the Chinese Sleep Research Society, 75% of Chinese respondents have experienced or are experiencing difficulties falling asleep, waking up easily, insomnia, snoring, vivid dreaming, sleepwalking, and excessive daytime sleepiness, among other sleep disturbances. In recent years, the post-2000 generation has become the main force staying up late.
Dr. Huang Zhili, Chairman of the Chinese Sleep Research Association, has unveiled the "2023 China Sleep White Paper." Photo by Zhang Nan.
"Young people commonly struggle with difficulties in falling asleep due to excessive smartphone usage, resulting in late bedtimes and even later wake-up times," emphasized Dr. Huang Zhili, Chairman of the Chinese Sleep Research Association. He stressed that ensuring an adequate amount of sleep time and sleep efficiency is essential for maintaining sufficient energy for learning, working, and daily life.
Research indicates that the regularity and rhythm of the sleep-wake cycle in daily life significantly impact the stability of various bodily systems. Preventing sleep disorders can help guard against cardiovascular diseases, neurological and psychiatric disorders, digestive system diseases, endocrine system diseases, immune system diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, sensory organ diseases, tumor occurrence and metastasis, as well as societal issues like traffic accidents, occupational safety incidents, and accidental injuries.
Unlike traditional medical disciplines that focus on individual organs, sleep medicine considers the entire body and mind as its diagnostic and therapeutic focus, crossing multiple disciplines and involving interdisciplinary teams to provide integrated medical services for patients. Dr. Huang Zhili noted that this relatively new diagnostic and treatment system presents certain challenges in both domestic and international contexts, requiring not only institutional but also conceptual innovations.
Dr. Huang Zhili calls for addressing sleep issues from the modern medical perspective of bio-psycho-social models. Sleep problems are not merely medical concerns but have evolved into societal issues affecting public health, work efficiency, family well-being, and social harmony. Thus, they warrant significant attention and adequate recognition from society as a whole.
