Delegate: Nato Darchia
Affiliation: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Short Bio: Tengiz Oniani Laboratory of Sleep-Wakefulness Study and Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine at Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, actively participated in celebrating World Sleep Day 2024.
Activity: Tengiz Oniani Laboratory of Sleep-Wakefulness Study at Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, with the support of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, organized various activities on World Sleep Day 2024 aimed at increasing public awareness and promoting sleep health.
A sleep awareness campaign has been developed by the partners of this application, based on the slogan “Sleep Equity for Global Health”. Flyers on the importance of sleep for health have been distributed among internally displaced persons. Further, recent evidence on high prevalence rates of sleep problems in young generation prompted to focus on students. Several lectures on the importance of sleep for health were delivered to students at Ilia State University, with emphasis on sleep’s role in mental and physical health, quality of life, and safety. The key message focused on healthy sleep habits as an essential component for promoting health and well-being.
Furthermore, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Medicine, in collaboration with the Tengiz Oniani Laboratory of Sleep-Wakefulness Study, has initiated the student competition – “Why is sleep so important for global health?” Those interested in participating in the competition were required to prepare a scientific essay on the importance of sleep for global health. Students from all departments (bachelor, master and doctorate levels) were encouraged to actively engage in the competition. Upon submission, essays underwent review by the Georgia World Sleep Day 2024 committee. Selected participants had the opportunity to present their work on World Sleep Day, held on March 15, 2024.
On March 15, we started the celebration of World Sleep Day with talks on the history and mission of World Sleep Day celebration. Lectures on sleep health relationship were delivered. Then, students presented their works. There was a time for questions and answers, and most notably, students were actively engaged in the discussions. The event provided an excellent opportunity for meaningful interaction among students, faculty members, and sleep professionals.
We have prepared certificates of participation at World sleep Day 2024 for all selected students. Additionally, each student received a memorable souvenir as an appreciation for their involvement and dedication. Choosing the winners was a challenging task, given the quality of the essays submitted. After careful deliberation, the World Sleep Day committee ultimately selected four outstanding essays deserving of recognition.
The entire event was undoubtedly a memorable World Sleep Day Celebration!
Location: Faculty of Natural Sciences and medicine, Ilia State University, Tbilisi
Date of Activity: March 15, 2024
Submitted by: Nato Darchia
