Bill Summary
This resolution aims to recognize the significance of sleep health and supports the establishment of "Sleep Awareness Week" from March 9 through March 13, 2026. It highlights the essential role of sleep for overall health and safety, noting that many adults do not meet the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. The resolution points out the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation, including risks to physical and mental health, and emphasizes disparities in sleep quality among different racial groups. By endorsing Sleep Awareness Week, the resolution encourages public health initiatives, healthcare providers, and individuals to prioritize sleep health, adopt good sleep practices, and engage in discussions about sleep with healthcare professionals. Overall, it reinforces the need for policies that support improved sleep health across the nation.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution declaring "Sleep Awareness Week" could affect people:
1. **Increased Awareness and Education**: By promoting "Sleep Awareness Week," the legislation encourages public health campaigns that educate individuals about the importance of sleep health. This could lead to a greater understanding of sleep hygiene practices, such as establishing regular sleep schedules, creating conducive sleep environments, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime. As a result, more people may implement these practices into their daily lives, leading to improved sleep quality.
2. **Focus on Health Outcomes**: The resolution highlights the link between sleep deprivation and various health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health conditions. With the support for "Sleep Awareness Week," healthcare providers may prioritize discussions about sleep health during patient visits, leading to earlier identification of sleep disorders and better management of related health conditions. This could ultimately contribute to improved overall health outcomes for individuals at risk.
3. **Community and Policy Engagement**: By encouraging public health officials, educators, and community organizations to participate in "Sleep Awareness Week," the legislation fosters a community-wide focus on sleep health. This could lead to the development of local initiatives, such as sleep workshops, community health screenings, and policy changes aimed at reducing barriers to healthy sleep (e.g., later school start times for adolescents). As communities engage in these efforts, individuals may feel more supported in their pursuit of better sleep health.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1158 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1158
Recognizing the importance of sleep health and expressing support for
the designation of the week of March 9 through March 13, 2026, as
``Sleep Awareness Week''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 9, 2026
Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania (for herself and Ms. Sewell) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the importance of sleep health and expressing support for
the designation of the week of March 9 through March 13, 2026, as
``Sleep Awareness Week''.
Whereas sleep is essential for health, well-being, and safety;
Whereas advancing advocacy and promotion of evidence-based sleep health
practices will improve the general health of the public;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that most adults
need at least seven hours of sleep per night;
Whereas the National Sleep Foundation's 2025 Sleep in America Poll found that 60
percent of Americans say they do not regularly get the recommended
amount of nightly sleep;
Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 35 percent of all
adults in the United States sleep less than seven hours per night on
average;
Whereas sleep deprivation can lead to impaired memory, elevated stress levels,
disrupted metabolism, and increased risk of injury and accidents;
Whereas, in the long-term, insufficient sleep can increase the risk of diabetes,
stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and other health
conditions;
Whereas insomnia can be a symptom of depression and anxiety, and sleep problems
can also exacerbate or contribute to the onset of mental health
conditions;
Whereas numerous studies have found that Black Americans are less likely than
their White counterparts to get adequate sleep, and that Black Americans
may also be more likely to get lower quality sleep;
Whereas Congress established the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research in
1993 to foster the coordination of sleep and circadian research within
the National Institutes of Health and other Federal agencies;
Whereas for over two decades, the National Sleep Foundation has organized
``Sleep Awareness Week'' to promote the benefits of healthy sleep and
its importance to overall health and well-being; and
Whereas numerous States and organizations across the Nation recognize and
participate in ``Sleep Awareness Week'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the importance of sleep health as a way to
increase health and wellbeing;
(2) supports the designation of a ``Sleep Awareness Week'';
(3) supports the goals and efforts of ``Sleep Awareness
Week'';
(4) encourages public health officials, healthcare
providers, educators, parents, et al. to do their part to
promote adequate sleep;
(5) encourages the people of the United States to
prioritize their sleep health, practice good habits for sleep
health, and discuss their sleep with their health care
provider; and
(6) recognizes the continued importance of policies to
improve sleep health.
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