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Sleep To Live Well Foundation: A New Approach to Sleep Health

In a world where sleep deprivation is becoming alarmingly common, the Sleep To Live Well Foundation (STLW) has launched with its groundbreaking 2025 State of Sleep Wellness Report. This report, ominously titled "THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: How Lack of Sleep Endangers Over Half of All Americans and Threatens Everyone", serves as an urgent wake-up call to address a pressing public health crisis.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the report, sleep disorders affect around 40 million Americans, with a staggering 60% of adults experiencing sleep issues several nights each week. The foundation's findings highlight that 50% of children—approximately 37 million—and 62% of adults—about 161.2 million—are at risk of severe sleep-related diseases. These figures paint a troubling picture of an epidemic that impairs the health of not only individuals but also the broader community.

A Holistic Approach to Sleep Health

Founded by Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, a Stanford-trained family physician, STLW is on a mission to help individuals restore their natural sleeping abilities. The foundation emphasizes a holistic approach to sleep health that extends beyond the conventional tips popular on social media. As Dr. Washington articulates, "Despite years of awareness, insufficient sleep continues to be a national crisis that affects our health and well-being, particularly among our youth."

The report advocates for a framework called Sleep Wellness, which empowers individuals by addressing not just the need for sleep but the deeper social, psychological, and emotional factors that affect sleep quality. This initiative underpins the premise that sleep health is crucial for mental and emotional well-being leading to longevity.

Key Initiatives and Resources

STLW is actively addressing the sleep crisis with several impactful initiatives:
1. Children’s Book: "Doctor Bedtime's SLEEP MAGIC SuperPowers for Super-Sleepers" is designed to help children recognize the power of sleep as a strength.
2. Parent and Caregiver Guides: A comprehensive guide entitled "Embracing Sleep Wellness" offers practical advice for transforming bedtime struggles into nurturing rituals.
3. Clinical Sleep Wellness Screening Toolkit: A three-step protocol aimed at assessing and improving children's sleep quality, specifically tailored for healthcare professionals.
4. Community Engagement: Collaborations with schools and children's wellness organizations to distribute essential resources and support

The foundation's initial focus is centered around supporting children facing toxic stress and trauma, particularly those identified through the ACEs Aware initiative, which is crucial for addressing adverse childhood experiences early on.

Empowering Families and Professionals

STLW believes that preventive medicine starts at home, which is why partnerships with community organizations are essential. The foundation provides guides and bedtime rituals that empower parents and caregivers. Additionally, healthcare professionals are offered screening toolkits to connect sleep quality with pediatric health issues. This comprehensive strategy is designed to prevent sleep disorders from becoming chronic problems.

The Leadership Behind the Mission

Dr. Roger Washington serves as the Founder and Medical Director of STLW, aiming to enhance public health through education and advocacy for Sleep Wellness. Alongside him is Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA, the Executive Director, who oversees program development and partnership outreach. Their collaboration aims to redefine sleep health as a public health priority.

A Family Invitation

STLW invites healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations to join their cause in creating a healthier, sleep-positive future. Those interested in participating or learning more about their resources can visit the official Sleep To Live Well Foundation website at sleeptolivewell.org.

In conclusion, the Sleep To Live Well Foundation is making significant strides in transforming public health by addressing sleep issues at their core. This movement is about more than just promoting better sleep—it's about empowering individuals and families to enhance their overall quality of life through better rest. Now is the time for us to embrace the importance of sleep if we are to improve our collective health and resilience for the future.