Promoting sustainability by incorporating sleep into sustainable development

The socio-ecological model of sleep emphasizes the complex interaction between individual, social, and environmental factors that play a critical role in influencing the quality and duration of sleep (Hale & Do, Reference Hale and Do2020). As discussed previously, sleep deprivation can have negative impacts on productivity, health, education, and aging in society, thereby affecting social and economic sustainability (Patrick et al., Reference Patrick, Lee, Raha, Pillai, Gupta, Sethi and Moss2017).

The socio-ecological model offers an approach that considers individual behavior in relation to social factors, such as social networks (e.g., family and work), which are interconnected and embedded in larger networks (e.g., community and religion) (McHugh & Lawlor, Reference McHugh and Lawlor2013). Social network systems exist within a social context that is influenced by various factors, such as laws, technology, and economics (Bronfenbrenner, Reference Bronfenbrenner1977). Additionally, human development is shaped by cultural and ethnic contexts (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, Reference Bronfenbrenner and Morris2006), environmental factors, and biotechnological factors (Bronfenbrenner, Reference Bronfenbrenner1977). The socio-ecological approach identifies the key components of these systems that are believed to influence sleep at the individual, social, and societal levels.

To achieve the SDGs on health, education, decent work, and social well-being, it is essential to develop policies and actions that promote healthy and high quality sleep. These include implementing public policies, educational programs, creating sleep-friendly environments, and raising awareness about the importance of good sleep (Hirshkowitz et al., Reference Hirshkowitz, Whiton, Albert, Alessi, Bruni, DonCarlos and Hillard2015). By considering sleep as an essential aspect of sustainable development, we can formulate strategies that guarantee sustainable sleep for everyone.

Integrating sleep research into the human impact of the SDGs can help achieve these goals in several ways, including promoting sleep health as an essential component of overall well-being. These include improving health, preventing disease, ensuring equitable access to the resources needed for adequate sleep, and reducing environmental impacts associated with energy use (United Nations, 2015b). Thus, incorporating sleep research into these sustainable strategies can lead us to a healthier and more sustainable future for all (Elsie, Isabelle, & Bronwyn, Reference Elsie, Isabelle and Bronwyn2020; Cunningham et al., Reference Cunningham, Wheaton, Yu and Croft2020). Actions based on this knowledge have the potential to improve people’s quality of life while having a positive impact on the environment and the global economy (Ta & Habicht, Reference Ta and Habicht2018).

Indeed, recognizing sleep as a fundamental aspect of sustainable development is crucial for achieving optimal sleep quality (McHugh & Lawlor, Reference McHugh and Lawlor2013). In this context, actions aimed at reducing poverty and improving living conditions play a crucial role. Among these actions, the promotion of a sleep-friendly environment stands out. These include ensuring access to safe and adequate housing, reducing noise pollution, and improving public safety. These measures are fundamental to addressing poverty and promoting overall well-being (Cappuccio et al., Reference Cappuccio, Miller and Lockley2010).

Integrating sleep health into the achievement of social, economic, and global well-being

The integration of sleep research as an interdisciplinary field has far-reaching implications for various areas of society. It addresses both social and economic issues, aiming to improve the quality of life for people worldwide. We present an integrative review of topics that align with sustainable development: (1) Social and economic inclusion, which encompasses poverty eradication, food security, reducing inequalities, and promoting peace and justice; (2) Promoting well-being and quality of life, which includes health, education, gender equality, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation; and (3) Economic and environmental sustainability, which involves decent work, innovation, infrastructure, responsible consumption, sustainable communities, through multilateral partnerships and collaborations. This outline categorizes the themes based on their thematic commonalities and provides an overview of the various aspects of integration between sleep science and the SDGs (Figure 1).

1. 1. Social and economic integration for sleep health

Figure 1.

Integrating sleep quality into achieving social, economic, and global well-being.

Table 1 provides a detailed description of the categories related to sustainable development, with a focus on eradicating poverty in sleep research. This category highlights key areas where sleep plays a critical role in finding sustainable solutions (Hale et al., Reference Hale, Troxel, Kravitz, Hall and Matthews2014). In addition, food insecurity has been observed to have a negative impact on quality of life. The lack of access to sufficient and nutritious food can result in physical and mental health issues (Ta & Habicht, Reference Ta and Habicht2018). This can impact sleep quality, as inadequate nutrition can contribute to sleep disturbances. To address food insecurity and improve quality of life, it is important to promote equitable access to nutritious food, invest in social support programs, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen food supply chains (Moraes et al., Reference Moraes, Junior, Sousa, Ferreira, Pinheiro and Pinheiro2018).

Table 1.

Social and economic integration for sleep health

* SDG: Sustainable Development Goals.

The table also highlights that social inequality can affect sleep quality. This emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies, equitable access to basic services, investment in mental health, adoption of healthy habits, and awareness to improve the overall sleep quality of the population (McHugh, & Lawlor, Reference McHugh and Lawlor2013). Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of addressing socioeconomic inequalities and distributing health resources and services equitably to ensure better sleep quality for all (Moraes et al., Reference Moraes, Junior, Sousa, Ferreira, Pinheiro and Pinheiro2018).

The interaction between peace, justice, effective institutions, and people’s well-being is relevant. Studies show that stress, conflicts, and violence have a negative impact on sleep quality, while access to fair justice and satisfactory living conditions are associated with improved sleep (Wu et al., Reference Wu, Appleman, Salazar and Ong2015). Policies and measures to promote sleep health are crucial, including educational programs and the reduction of detrimental factors. Additionally, sufficient sleep influences decision-making abilities and institutional functioning (Ta & Habicht, Reference Ta and Habicht2018). These connections highlight the importance of addressing peace, justice, and effective institutions in relation to sleep, as they contribute to individual well-being and societal functioning.

1. 2. Promotion of well-being for sleep health

Table 2 highlights the connection between health, well-being, and sleep health, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about sleep health disparities and identifying solutions to address the challenges impacting sleep quality. When sleep quality is compromised, various aspects of health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, can be negatively impacted (Elsie, Isabelle, & Bronwyn, Reference Elsie, Isabelle and Bronwyn2020). Therefore, potential solutions involve educating individuals on sleep hygiene, promoting sleep-friendly environments, establishing consistent sleep routines, managing stress, and adopting a holistic approach to health by acknowledging the significance of sleep quality in overall well-being (Cunningham et al., Reference Cunningham, Wheaton, Yu and Croft2020).

Table 2.

Promotion of well-being for sleep health

Table 2 also highlights the role of sleep quality in relation to learning challenges in schools and educational contexts (Cunningham et al., Reference Cunningham, Wheaton, Yu and Croft2020). It is important to note that before sleep can positively impact learning, sustainable development must successfully expand access to basic education. It is essential to consider the social and behavioral factors that influence students’ sleep quality, such as irregular schedules, excessive workload, inappropriate use of electronic devices, poor nighttime sleep and eating habits, and a lack of awareness about the importance of adequate sleep quality and quantity, especially for school-aged children and adolescents. To address this issue, it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and develop effective adaptive strategies to promote sleep health (Curcio, Ferrara, & De Gennaro, Reference Curcio, Ferrara and De Gennaro2016). This may include creating sleep-friendly environments in schools, such as adjusting class schedules, reducing workload, and providing suitable rest spaces. Additionally, these initiatives align with the SDGs, which aim to ensure quality education for all students (Akerstedt, Kecklund, & Johansson, Reference Akerstedt, Kecklund and Johansson2004).

The relationship between gender equality and sleep health seeks to promote greater equity by recognizing and addressing the specific differences and challenges in sleep quantity and quality faced by men and women due to sociocultural issues (Shen, Barbera, & Shapiro, Reference Shen, Barbera and Shapiro2006). Social and cultural norms play a significant role in this context, affecting sleep timing and quality differently for each gender. For example, expectations about gender roles, unequal division of household tasks, daytime and nighttime work demands, and parenting responsibilities can significantly impact women’s sleep quality compared to men’s (Kravitz et al., Reference Kravitz, Ganz, Bromberger, Powell, Sutton-Tyrrell and Meyer2003). It is crucial to ensure that both men and women have equal access to sleep-related healthcare, including psychoeducation, assessment, and treatment of sleep disorders. This is an important step in addressing gender disparities in this area (Table 2).

Emphasized the importance of having sufficient access to sanitation for improving people’s sleep quality (Reinberg, Smolensky, & Touitou, Reference Reinberg, Smolensky and Touitou2005). The absence of proper sanitation facilities and limited access to clean water can create unhealthy conditions, contribute to the spread of diseases, and impair sleep quality. To address this issue, it is essential to consider relevant variables, develop evidence-based policies, and implement practices that meet the needs of communities (Prüss-Ustün et al., Reference Prüss-Ustün, Wolf, Bartram, Clasen, Cumming, Freeman and Fewtrell2019). This integration seeks to ensure a healthy environment and promote sleep quality through adequate access to sanitation. It underscores the importance of investments and effective actions in this area.

Kumar, Gupta and Singh (Reference Kumar, Gupta and Singh2019) organized information on the connections between clean energy, sleep science, and sustainable development. The authors discuss various topics related to electricity access and sleep quality, including clean energy and sleep quality, the effects of dirty energy production on sleep disorders, the intersection of sleep science and clean energy, and the integration of clean energy, sleep science, and sustainable development. These topics explore the impact of energy generation and electricity access on sleep quality and the role of sleep science in understanding this relationship. The challenge is to ensure that populations have reliable and sustainable access to electricity without compromising sleep quality. This involves the development of accessible, reliable, and low-impact energy solutions that do not disrupt people’s sleep (Wang & Zhang, Reference Wang and Zhang2019).

Additionally, Table 2 illustrates how climate change and inadequate water resource management can influence people’s sleep quality. The table highlights that policies and strategies to address climate change can contribute to creating healthier and more sustainable environments, which, in turn, may indirectly improve sleep quality by reducing environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures (Wolska & Smith, Reference Wolska and Smith2019). The importance of sustainable water resource management and access to clean water and sanitation is also emphasized, as these are essential factors for overall health and may have indirect impacts on sleep quality, especially in health and well-being contexts (Jiménez-Cisneros et al., Reference Jiménez-Cisneros, Oki, Arnell, Benito, Cogley, Döll and Wada2014; Vörösmarty et al., Reference Vörösmarty, McIntyre, Gessner, Dudgeon, Prusevich, Green and Davies2010). To address these complex challenges, an integrated approach is necessary, with cooperation among countries, international organizations, and communities, focusing on sharing knowledge, resources, and specific practices to tackle environmental and health issues (Brown & Meeks, Reference Brown and Meeks2015).

The interaction between aquatic life and sleep science highlights the significance of aquatic ecosystems in climate regulation, global biodiversity conservation, and sleep quality. The impacts of climate change, exposure to toxic metals, and water quality can negatively affect sleep quality. This highlights the importance of protecting and preserving aquatic environments to promote healthy and sustainable sleep (Ozbayram et al., Reference Ozbayram, Camur, Koker, Oguz Cam, Akcaalan and Albay2022). This integration is understood through various perspectives, including categories such as aquatic biodiversity and climate change, the importance of aquatic ecosystems, the relationship between sleep quality and the aquatic environment, the impact of exposure to toxic metals on sleep quality, and the connection between water quality and sleep quality (Hysing et al., Reference Hysing, Harvey, Linton, Askeland, Sivertsen and Pallesen2016).

Lastly, Table 2 highlights the interaction terrestrial life and sleep health, emphasizing the importance of terrestrial ecosystems in efficiency, environmental issues, and their impact on sleep quality, the promotion of sleep quality and well-being, and the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity (Scott et al., Reference Scott, Doney, Emmett, James, Francis, Chad and Kagawa2012). The importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems and preserving biodiversity is emphasized, as it is crucial for the preservation of life on land and for ensuring adequate sleep quality and promoting human well-being (Kecklund, & Axelsson, Reference Kecklund and Axelsson2016). The integration between terrestrial ecosystems and sleep science is essential to understand how life on land directly influences human sleep and how their preservation is fundamental to the health and balance of the planet.

1. 3. Economic and environmental sustainability for sleep health

Table 3 emphasizes the importance of ensuring appropriate working conditions, including safe and decent jobs, while also recognizing the impact of night and shift work on workers’ health and sleep quality (Tyrväinen et al, Reference Tyrväinen, Ojala, Korpela, Lanki, Tsunetsugu and Kagawa2014; Costa, & Sartori, Reference Costa and Sartori2007). The table addresses the following points: the negative impact of a lack of safe and decent jobs; the impact of night and shift work on health and sleep quality; the negative impact of a lack of workplace safety and exposure to occupational hazards; the importance of decent work and research in sleep science; and the connection between decent work, sustainable economic growth, and investment. The text emphasizes the significance of ensuring suitable employment, considering the effects of night and shift work on workers’ health and sleep quality. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of promoting workplace safety and investing in decent work and conducting research on sleep science as ways to promote sustainable development for both individuals and the economy.

Table 3.

Economic and environmental sustainability for sleep health

The adoption of measures focused on sleep health and technological innovation can bring significant benefits to both workers and companies, such as the development of low-cost, sustainable, and easy-to-implement solutions. These actions have the potential to improve quality of life, well-being, and productivity in the workplace, particularly in economically and sustainably developing countries. In summary, the main points addressed in the text emphasize the importance of implementing measures that promote workers’ health and well-being. This includes the application of advanced technologies, process automation, the use of light therapies, and health monitoring (Kecklund, & Axelsson, Reference Kecklund and Axelsson2016). These strategies aim to improve workers’ sleep quality, reduce occupational risks, and boost productivity (Duffy, Zitting, & Chinoy, Reference Duffy, Zitting and Chinoy2018; Sjösten, Nordin, & Åkerstedt, Reference Sjösten, Nordin and Åkerstedt2016).

The significance of individual, interpersonal, community, and environmental factors in sleep quality, as well as the positive impact of sustainable development goals on quality of life, including sleep quality, is emphasized in Table 2. It is important to note that SDGs (Bronfenbrenner, & Morris, Reference Bronfenbrenner and Morris2006; Hirshkowitz et al., Reference Hirshkowitz, Whiton, Albert, Alessi, Bruni, DonCarlos and Hillard2015), and (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities) are interconnected and have a direct impact on people’s quality of life, including the promotion of quality sleep. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on the importance of creating healthy urban environments and ensuring equal access to essential services to promote improved sleep quality and overall quality of life.

Furthermore, Table 3 examines the correlation between responsible consumption and production, pollution, energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and sustainability awareness. It demonstrates how these factors can impact individuals’ quality of life and sleep quality. Overall, the significance of embracing conscious and sustainable consumption practices, minimizing waste, and utilizing natural resources responsibly is emphasized (Hysing et al., Reference Hysing, Harvey, Linton, Askeland, Sivertsen and Pallesen2016; Duffy, Zitting, & Chinoy, Reference Duffy, Zitting and Chinoy2018).

When addressing partnerships and the implementation of SDG 17 in relation to sleep, it is important to emphasize the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, governments, the private sector, and civil society. These partnerships promote awareness, research, and the implementation of healthy sleep policies. Investment in research is crucial for understanding sleep disorders, identifying risk factors, and determining the best treatment practices. Public education is essential, with partnerships aimed at developing educational programs and campaigns that emphasize the importance of healthy sleep. Integrating sleep into public policies aims to create environments that are conducive to sleep and prevent associated health problems (Hysing et al., Reference Hysing, Harvey, Linton, Askeland, Sivertsen and Pallesen2016). Technology and innovation aid in sleep monitoring and provide access to information on sleep hygiene (United Nations, 2015a). Partnerships are vital for implementing monitoring and evaluation systems and adjusting intervention strategies.