What Should a Public Health Approach to Sleep Look Like?

AMA J Ethics. 2024 Oct 1;26(10):E795-803. doi: 10.1001/amajethics.2024.795.

Abstract

Sleep is essential for a healthy, productive life, but access to sufficient and quality sleep is not universal. Sleep equity is influenced by both pathological and nonpathological sources. This article considers nonpathological determinants of adequate sleep, defines 3 features of sleep insecurity, and suggests how to promote sleep literacy to remove some barriers to adequate sleep, promote sleep equity, and improve individual and community health and well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Health Inequities
  • Health Literacy
  • Health Promotion / methods
  • Health Promotion / standards
  • Health Promotion / trends
  • Humans
  • Public Health* / methods
  • Public Health* / standards
  • Public Health* / trends
  • Sleep Quality
  • Sleep*
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Socioeconomic Factors