Sleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Did you know adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, and children and teens need even more? Surveys show the average adult sleeps fewer than seven hours a night. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults report not getting enough sleep every day. More than one-third of adults report daytime sleepiness so severe that it interferes with work, driving, and social functioning at least a few days each month.
Sleep is as important for good health and wellbeing as diet and exercise. Not getting enough sleep increases your risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depression. Lack of sleep also affects your cognition and reaction time, leading to more injuries and accidents.
People who have trouble sleeping should talk with their doctor for options to improve their sleep.
The Sleep Challenge Toolkit (ZIP) below includes resources such as flyers and a sleep challenge that can be shared with your groups.
The Sleep Challenge Toolkit (ZIP)
