Experts warn time change disrupts sleep and may harm health as Daylight Saving Time ends – ABC11

Report on Sleep Health and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Sleep as a Cornerstone for Sustainable Development

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, integral to achieving global wellness targets. This report examines the critical role of sleep hygiene in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Disruptions to sleep patterns, such as those caused by Daylight Saving Time, present a significant public health challenge that directly impacts the attainment of these goals.

Health Implications of Sleep Disruption and SDG 3

According to Dr. Mary Ellen Wells of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine, even minor disruptions to sleep schedules can have detrimental effects on human health. These consequences undermine progress toward SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. Key health risks associated with poor sleep quality and quantity include:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular problems
• Higher incidence of strokes and heart attacks
• Links to the development of diabetes and obesity
• Adverse impacts on mental health, affecting mood, focus, and energy levels

Socio-Economic Impact: Connecting Well-being to SDG 8

The impact of inadequate sleep extends beyond individual health to affect broader societal productivity and economic stability, a core concern of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. A population suffering from sleep deprivation experiences diminished focus and energy, which can lead to reduced productivity in the workplace. Ensuring citizens are well-rested is therefore essential for fostering a healthy, productive workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

Strategic Recommendations for Public Health Advancement

To mitigate the health risks of sleep disruption and support the achievement of the SDGs, the following evidence-based recommendations are proposed:

1. Maintain Schedule Consistency: Adhere to consistent bedtime and wake-up times, including on weekends, to stabilize the body’s internal clock.
2. Optimize Pre-Sleep Conditions: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and excessive screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
3. Regulate Circadian Rhythms: Utilize morning sunlight exposure to help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
4. Prioritize Subjective Assessment: Evaluate sleep quality based on how one feels upon waking rather than relying solely on data from commercial sleep-tracking devices, which may lack sufficient scientific validation.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Individuals struggling with persistent sleep issues should seek medical help, as numerous recognized sleep disorders are highly treatable.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • The article directly addresses SDG 3 by focusing on the health implications of sleep disruption. It establishes sleep as one of the “key pillars of health, just like diet and exercise.” The text explicitly links poor sleep schedules, such as those caused by Daylight Saving Time changes, to significant negative health outcomes. This connection highlights the goal’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: Reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   • This target is highly relevant as the article warns that sleep disruptions can lead to an “increased risks of cardiovascular problems, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity,” all of which are major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The article’s focus on prevention (e.g., maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding caffeine before bed) and promoting well-being aligns with this target.
   • Furthermore, the article connects sleep to mental well-being by stating that sleep changes can “impact mood, focus, and energy levels,” directly addressing the part of the target that aims to “promote mental health and well-being.” The advice to seek help for treatable sleep disorders also relates to the “treatment” aspect of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4:
• Prevalence of non-communicable diseases: The article’s warning about increased risks of “cardiovascular problems, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity” implies that the incidence and prevalence rates of these specific NCDs are key indicators of public health. A reduction in these rates would signify progress.
• Self-reported well-being and sleep quality: Dr. Wells emphasizes that “the best way to assess sleep quality is by how you feel, not by the numbers on a screen.” This suggests that subjective, self-reported measures of well-being, mood, focus, and perceived sleep quality are crucial indicators for assessing mental and physical health.
• Diagnosis and treatment rates for sleep disorders: The statement that “nearly 100 recognized sleep disorders are highly treatable” and the advice for those struggling to “seek help” implies that the rate at which individuals are diagnosed and treated for these conditions is a relevant indicator. Higher treatment rates would suggest better management of a key factor contributing to NCDs and poor mental well-being.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abc11.com