Date: March 9, 2024
Location: Kolkata, India
In a bid to address disparities in sleep health and promote collective well-being, a special session was organized in Kolkata by the World Sleep Society in association with the Calcutta Sleep Society, coinciding with World Sleep Day 2024. Titled “Advocating for Equity in Sleep: Transforming Health and Well-being,” the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sleep equity in fostering a healthier society.
Sleep, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life, plays a pivotal role in human vitality, affecting every aspect of existence. However, entrenched disparities rooted in socioeconomic factors, geographical variations, and cultural norms perpetuate inequalities in accessing restorative sleep across India. Recognizing this need, the session in Kolkata aligned with the global theme of “Sleep Equity for Global Health,” echoing a call to action for equitable sleep access worldwide.
Leading the discussion were esteemed figures in the field, including Dr. Sourav Das from Somnos Sleep Clinic & Medica Super Specialty Hospital, who serves as the Regional Coordinator for World Sleep Day and also holds the position of Secretary at the Calcutta Sleep Society. Alongside, Dr. Uttam Agarwal, a prominent Sleep Apnea & ENT Surgeon from Orange Sleep Apnea Clinic & Belle Vue Clinic, and President of the Calcutta Sleep Society, lent their expertise to the conversation.
Highlighting recent studies conducted in India, Dr. Das shed light on the profound implications of sleep disparities, emphasizing the need for equitable access to quality sleep for all individuals across the nation. He stressed that sleep deprivation isn’t just a personal inconvenience but a systemic issue with far-reaching consequences for public health.
Dr. Agarwal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of addressing sleep disorders like sleep apnea to safeguard the health and well-being of communities. He underscored that addressing sleep equity goes beyond ensuring adequate rest; it’s about promoting holistic health and quality of life.
The event drew attention to research findings indicating the intricate link between inadequate sleep and heightened risks of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and even certain forms of cancer, among Indian populations. The session emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach, encompassing individual empowerment and systemic reform, to effect change in sleep equity.
As India navigates its path toward holistic health and well-being, the pursuit of sleep equity stands as a crucial pillar in the national agenda. By recognizing sleep as a fundamental right and dismantling barriers to access, the nation can pave the way toward a brighter, more equitable future for all. Let us unite in championing sleep equity as a cornerstone of collective health and prosperity across India.
This event serves as a catalyst for dialogue and action, inspiring communities to prioritize sleep health and work toward creating a society where every individual can enjoy the restorative benefits of quality sleep. Together, we can transform the landscape of sleep health in India, fostering a healthier, more vibrant nation for generations to come.
