By Tushar Patel 

Vice President, US Sleep-Wake Commercial and Global Strategic Marketing, Neurology Business Group  

Each March, many Americans look forward to advancing our clocks by one hour as Daylight Saving Time (DST) comes to an end. When we “spring forward,” we are essentially moving an hour of morning daylight to the evening hours, which, for many, is a welcome change that results in increased social activity and the semblance of longer days. However, this minor time change may often lead to short-term sleep disturbances. Many people take healthy sleep cycles for granted until they’re suddenly disturbed. Such disruptions to our sleep cycle provide just a brief glimpse into what people with insomnia might experience on a regular basis.  

Prioritizing sleep to improve health and well-being is particularly relevant this week, as our bodies adjust to different hours of daylight. This week also marks Sleep Awareness Week®, the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) public education campaign that celebrates sleep health.  

For millions of Americans, long-term struggles with sleep are indeed a clinical condition, called insomnia. Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or returning to sleep. If untreated, insomnia can persist for months or more. It not only negatively impacts how we feel the next day, but can also have long-term consequences on health and well-being, even contributing to the progression of diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Poor sleep quality also has been shown to lead to memory troubles, difficulty learning, poor judgment, and decreased concentration.1,2,3  

During Sleep Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to take time to better understand their sleep needs and patterns, and to establish behaviors that contribute to sleep success. There are many steps people can take, such as creating a bedroom environment conducive to sleep and keeping a sleep journal, that can contribute to improved sleep. If symptoms of insomnia persist, it is important to speak to a health care provider, who can help to identify approaches, from lifestyle changes, behavioral or psychological interventions and prescription medications, that may be beneficial in treating an individual’s insomnia.