National Safe Sleep Day (NZ)

National Safe Sleep Day (NZ)

What is National Safe Sleep Day - Te Rā Mokopuna:

 The purpose of National Safe Sleep Day is to raise awareness about Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants (SUDI), with the goal of reducing the rate at which it occurs in our New Zealand families and communities. SUDI is preventable, and the risk factors for our babies can be greatly reduced if the proper steps were taken.

 

It is crucial to take measures to prevent SUDI, or sudden unexpected death in infancy, which can occur when a baby is sleeping in an unsafe environment. Te Rā Mokopuna Ora is committed to reducing the rates of these deaths in New Zealand families. Some simple steps that can be taken to protect a baby while they sleep are placing them on their back on a flat surface, ensuring their face is clear, keeping them close to parents or carers, and protecting them from exposure to smoke. Additionally, breastfeeding is encouraged and supported as it provides many benefits for both mother and father.

 

It is important to create a safe sleeping environment for babies, as some factors that contribute to SUDI (sudden infant death syndrome) include parental smoking. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the baby, which can lead to developmental issues. Creating a safe space for babies to sleep, free from any potential obstructions, is crucial in preventing SUDI.

 

Whakawhetū is asking people to participate in Safe Sleep Day this year to help prevent SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy). Safe Sleep Day is a day to raise awareness about the importance of safe sleeping practices. Whakawhetū hopes that by raising awareness and promoting safe sleep practices, they can make a difference for tamariki and families. Whakawhetū has been a strong advocate for the "wahakura" as part of their ongoing campaign. The wahakura is the country’s first kaupapa Māori safe-sleeping device developed by the Nukutere Weavers’ Collective in Gisborne in 2006. The popularity of the pēpi packs has increased in recent months, especially after they were launched at the Ngāi Tahu Hui-ā-Iwi in November.

 

What is the SUDI Prevention Coordination Service?

At Hāpai, we are dedicated to preventing sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in Aotearoa. Our extensive experience as a Māori public health organization drives our philosophy of putting the health and well-being of tamariki mokopuna and whānau above all else. Our goal is to reduce the incidence of SUDI in Aotearoa to 0.1 in 1000 liveborn infants by 2025. To achieve this, we work with local coordinators and national experts to promote best-practice solutions, alongside complementary health targets like Smokefree 2025.

 

What is the purpose of World Sleep Day?

World Sleep Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of sleep and its associated disorders. It is held on the Friday before Spring Vernal Equinox (March 19, 2021). World Sleep Day aims to bring attention to the various physical, mental and emotional benefits of having good quality sleep. Studies have shown that getting enough restful sleep can help improve overall health, reduce stress, help manage weight, enhance concentration, increase alertness and productivity, reduce inflammation and even reduce the risk of developing certain conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Furthermore, lack of adequate sleep can lead to a range of physical and psychological problems such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, poor memory retention, and even depression.

 

World Sleep Day is an annual event that raises awareness about the importance of getting enough sleep. It aims to educate people about healthy sleep habits and to raise funds for research into sleep-related medical conditions. World Sleep Day is a reminder that taking care of our own health should be our top priority.

 

What are the different groups or organizations that support World Sleep Day?

World Sleep Day, celebrated annually, is a global event dedicated to recognizing the importance of healthy sleep in our lives and its impact on overall health. The day is hosted by the World Sleep Society, an international organization dedicated to improving sleep health around the world. The World Sleep Day initiative was created to raise awareness about sleep disorders and the vital role sleep plays in our overall health, including physical and mental well-being. The World Sleep Society works with many organizations around the world to encourage people to pay attention to their sleep habits and learn more about potential sleep-related problems such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and narcolepsy. These organizations advocate for increased education and awareness of the importance of adequate restful sleep and for improved access to quality health care for people with sleep disorders.  Some notable supporters of World Sleep Day include Philips, which regularly sponsors events throughout the month; NBA star Carmelo Anthony; Thrive Global by Arianna Huffington; Dr. The Oz Show; American Academy of Sleep Medicine; Better sleep advice; SON 2017 Conference; Department of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School; National Institutes of Health (NIH); Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and numerous other organizations dedicated to improving public health through a better understanding of sleep patterns and behavior. By supporting World Sleep Day initiatives such as workshops, lectures, conferences, and other events, these groups hope to spread the word about the importance of promoting healthy sleep for people of all ages.  In addition, there are several celebrities who have spoken out in support of this campaign, from Alicia Keys advocating for a better understanding of the rules for good sleep, using her voice on social media to motivate others to sleep healthier, to John Legend discussing his own overall 

 

Where do the funds raised by World Sleep Day go?

The money raised by World Sleep Day is used to support a variety of organizations and initiatives focused on improving sleep quality and quantity. This includes raising awareness of the damaging effects of poor sleeping habits, providing educational resources, funding scientific research into the multiple factors that influence sleep, and supporting programs that provide access to higher-quality mattresses and bedding. Additionally, the funds have been used to provide treatment for those suffering from insomnia and other sleeping disorders, as well as to fund cutting-edge research into all aspects of sleep. This research has led to a better understanding of how our mind and body interact while we sleep and has resulted in the development of new treatments for sleep-related illnesses. The money has also been used to train doctors in this field so that they can better detect any signs or symptoms that could be associated with a sleep disorder or underlying health issue.

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