World Sleep Day – making sleep a priority

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in Recovery and wellbeing on 14th March, 2025

Today is World Sleep Day and the theme for this is year is 'Make Sleep Health a Priority'. Sleep is fundamental to every aspect of our physical and mental wellbeing. Stressful days, long shifts without enough breaks, and night shifts that go against the body clock can often lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue.

The NHS Every Mind Matters website has some helpful tips on how we can improve our sleep:

Have a good sleep routine (also known as sleep hygiene) – this should include having a set time to start winding down, and going to bed and getting up at fixed times. Ideally, a sleep routine should be the same every day, including weekends.
Relax and unwind – anxiety and stress can affect how well we sleep. If you find yourself lying awake worrying, set aside time before bed to make a to-do list for the next day as this can be a good way to put your mind at rest. Try to avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bed as the blue light can stop sleep. It’s also important to create the right sleep environment – it’s generally easier to sleep in a quiet, dark and cool room. Guided mediation, like the NHS’ Beditation relaxation video, can also help you drift off.
Do not force sleep – if you can’t sleep, get up and sit in a comfy place and do something relaxing, like reading a book or listening to quiet music. Only go back to bed when you feel sleepier.
Improve sleep through diet and exercise – try not to eat large meals close to bedtime, and avoid caffeine, alcohol or nicotine as these are stimulants that make us more alert. The general advice is to avoid stimulants 1 to 2 hours before bed. Regular exercise helps with sleep, but try to avoid anything too energetic 90 minutes before bed.

Further resources:

TALKWORKS offer support for sleep, including one-to-one sessions with a therapist and their regular Improving Sleep workshops. They have also written a blog with some top tips for improving sleep. You can self-refer to TALKWORKS by completing an online self-referral form or by calling 0300 555 3344. If you would like to find out more about the workshops or book a bespoke session, please email talkworksworkshop@nhs.net.
The Night Club have put together five ideas to support shift workers’ sleep and wellbeing, which includes promoting healthy sleep practices.
The Sleep Foundation have lots of resources to help you improve your sleep, including a great list of podcasts.
The mental health app, Unmind, includes a variety of sleep tools. From soothing soundscapes to educational courses, each tool is grounded in scientific research and aims to promote better sleep habits. NHS staff have free access to the app until 31 December 2025.
Further information about the impact of fatigue, as well as practical recommendations for improving the quality of sleep and rest, can be found on the NHS Employers website.

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World Sleep Day – making sleep a priority

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