Health · Public Health & Disease · 9 hrs ago
Researchers urge coordinated action to protect sleep health across Europe
A paper by researchers linked to the European Sleep Research Society calls for coordinated action to protect sleep health across Europe.
Sleep supports physical and mental health, learning, emotional wellbeing and safety, but the researchers say modern life is making rest harder to get.
Climate change, noise, artificial light and poor housing can disrupt sleep, while heat and displacement can add to the strain.
Shift work, constant connectivity and screen use also reduce chances to rest, and access to sleep diagnosis and care varies between communities.
Online misinformation and sleep-tracking pressure can create unrealistic expectations, and the researchers say tracking devices should not replace professional advice.
They call for better public education, trained sleep professionals, fairer access to care and clearer rules on working hours, technology and environmental conditions.
Policymakers and other sectors are urged to coordinate on these changes, with recommendations offered to guide policy across Europe.
A paper by researchers from the European Sleep Research Society calls for coordinated action to protect sleep health across Europe.
The paper says climate change, inequality, technology, shift work and misinformation are combining to make healthy sleep harder.
It highlights unequal access to sleep diagnosis, treatment and specialist support.
The researchers urge policymakers, healthcare providers, employers and others to improve education, regulation and sleep environments.
The recommendations are organized under a Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental framework.
- Who
- The European Sleep Research Society’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Early Career Network. The research was led by Dr Fran Pilkington-Cheney and Dr Adrian Michalak.
- What
- Researchers called for coordinated action to protect sleep health across Europe.
- When
- The paper was reported on 21 October 2026.
- Where
- Europe.
- Why
- The paper says social, environmental and technological changes are disrupting sleep and access to sleep care.
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- Publication date
- 21 October 2026
- Lead researcher
- Dr Fran Pilkington-Cheney, Nottingham Trent University
- Lead researcher
- Dr Adrian Michalak, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
- Policy framework
- Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental
What people are saying
We're seeing a perfect storm of challenges for sleep health across Europe.