Delegate: Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai, India
Affiliation: Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai, India
Short Bio: Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Chennai, India took the lead this year, 2025 to coordinate and organise the World Sleep Day events at three levels – individual, institution and community.
Activity: Final Report of NITHIRAI THIRUVIZHA – World Sleep Day 2025
The Department of Physiology in association with Departments of Mind Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences and Psychiatry of Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, SRIHER, Porur, Chennai have joined hands to celebrate “Nithirai Thiruvizha” – World Sleep Day 2025 between Feb 15th – Mar 15th 2025. A series of activities were organized at the community, institution and individual levels on the theme “Make sleep health a priority” to raise awareness about the importance of sleep across diverse populations, including school children, college students, faculty, patients and their care takers, health care professionals and night shift IT workers. Our aim was to highlight how sleep impacts physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
The word “Nithirai” (நித்திரை) directly translates to “sleep” or “repose” in English. It is derived from the Sanskrit word “nidrā” which also means sleep. “Thiruvizha” (திருவிழா) in Tamil means a festival, which often involves community gatherings. With the name rhyming to “Chithirai Thiruvizha”, a summer festival in South india, the team decided that ”Nithirai Thiruvizha” would be an apt name that would resonate with all the stakeholders of the Sleep Day Celebrations and events.
Below is a detailed account of the various initiatives taken during Feb 15th – Mar 14th 2025.
A. SCHOOL HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAMS
1. Awareness – Q&A session – 1 for Form 6 – 11 Students of The Pupil IB School
No. of Beneficiaries: 134 students
An awareness session was planned for the students of form 6 to form 11 studying at The Pupil IB school. The session was initiated three weeks prior to the planned date by the circulation of a Google form that requested the students to post their questions related to sleep and related issues. We received an overwhelming response with a number of questions that revealed the curiosity of the students.
The interactive awareness session was hosted by Dr Prathibha and Dr Meennakshi of the Department of Physiology. The session coordinators segregated the questions, planned the response in a suitable manner for school students and prepared a presentation with relevant illustrations, facts, and videos. The session ended with a mime show performed by the phase 1 MBBS students to answer the queries of the students related to outcomes due to poor sleep, hygiene and healthy habits towards establishing a good sleep routine. The mind show was well received by the students as it infused the knowledge with humour. the teachers and the coordinators thanked the team immensely for educating the little minds on the importance of sleep.
2. Interactive Awareness Session – 2 for Std. 6 – 9 Students of Dr. MGR Home and HSS for Speech and Hearing Impaired
No. of Beneficiaries: 56 students
The Sleep Awareness Program at MGR Speech and Hearing Impaired School was a truly enriching experience, marked by joy, enthusiasm, and intelligence that transcended communication barriers. The students exhibited remarkable confidence and energy, proving that their abilities far outweighed their disabilities.
Interactive Session:
To create an engaging and inclusive learning environment, we sat on the floor in small groups, fostering informal yet insightful discussions. We explored the students’ existing knowledge on sleep health and filled the gaps with expert guidance, ensuring a meaningful exchange of ideas.
The Art of Silent Storytelling:
One of the most mesmerizing moments was the “loud expression with no sound”—a powerful display of silent storytelling. The students’ expressive gestures and emotions created an unforgettable experience, proving that communication is not limited to words.
Dr. Nileema’s Initiative of “Sleep Ambassadors”
Understanding the importance of sleep health beyond the classroom, Dr. Nileema encouraged students to become “Sleep Ambassadors” for their families and school. This initiative aimed to empower students to spread awareness about healthy sleep habits, making them advocate for their communities’ well-being.
The program was not just an educational session but an eye-opening journey into the world of limitless potential and resilience.
3. Educating Young Minds On Sleep And Wellness – Talk 1 @ DATE: 20.2.2025 (Thursday)
Conducted by: Dept of Mind Body Medicine and Lifestyle Science
Venue: GMTTV Higher Secondary School, Sowcarpet, Chennai.
No. of Beneficiaries : 125 Girl Students
The Department of Mind Body Medicine and Lifestyle Science organised an awareness session at GMTTV Higher Secondary School in Sowcarpet, Chennai, for 80 enthusiastic participants from the 8th grade. The event was led by the post graduate students of Mind Body and Lifestyle Science under the guidance of Dr.D.C.Mathangi.
The session began with Brain Gym activities to enhance focus, followed by an introduction to World Sleep Day. Through interactive discussions, students recognized the effects of poor sleep on academics, behavior, and long-term health. They explored the importance of sleep hygiene, listing key tips and committing to sharing them with family and friends.
Engaging questions encouraged critical thinking about sleep’s role and ideal sleep duration. Small group discussions allowed students to address doubts and find practical solutions. Posters visually reinforced concepts, with sleep hygiene materials displayed on school notice boards for wider reach.
Outcomes:
Students gained awareness of sleep, physical activity, and healthy eating.
Active participation fostered meaningful discussions.They understood lifestyle choices’ impact on health and performance. Many pledged to reduce screen time and be more active. The session effectively promoted sleep hygiene and healthy habits for long-term well-being.
4. Talk 2 – Dr D C Mathangi & Students of Mind Body Medicine
Guruswamy Mudaliar T.T.V Higher secondary School, Chennai
No. of Beneficiaries : 80 Boys
An awareness session was also conducted at the DAV Girls School at Mogappair on the 12th of February 2025. Dr.Mathangi along with her PG students had a highly interactive session with over 150 young girls from the class 5-7. The enthusiasm of the children did not reduce till the end with their interesting doubts on sleep, food habits and use of mobile phones.
Every question they asked were more directed towards their personal growth and showed their focus on their personal goals.Children appreciated the need for a specific bed in and bed out time and were able to understand the logical 10 bed time sleep hygiene. With fun filled activities interlaced to have enthusiasm among the students, the session was not just enriching, but an energizing experience too.
B. EVENTS AT INSTITUTION LEVEL:
1. YOGA FOR BETTER SLEEP – A 4 WEEK PROGRAM – (An initiative for students and faculty of SRIHER University)
Context:
In celebration of World Sleep Day, a month-long wellness program titled “Yoga for Better Sleep” was organized to raise awareness about the importance of quality sleep and promote healthy sleep habits through yoga and mindfulness practices. The program ran throughout the month of February 18th 2025 to March 14th 2025, with sessions conducted every Tuesday and Thursday.
The primary focus of the program was to highlight the crucial role of sleep in overall well-being and to introduce participants to yoga as a natural, holistic method to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Program Details:
Duration: One month (Total of 9 sessions)
Days: Every Tuesday and Thursday
Format: In-person
Time:
Batch I: 12:00 to 12:30 pm
Batch II: 12:30 to 1:00 pm
Facilitator:Dr K Divyalakshmi, Assistant Professor of Physiology, SRIHER, DU.
Target Audience: Employees & Students
Session Highlights:
Structured Weekly Progression:
The program followed a thoughtfully designed progression, gradually introducing participants to deeper relaxation techniques and fostering a sense of connection:
Week 1: Release & Relax
Focused on gentle stretches, basic relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises to calm the body and mind.
Week 2: Stretch & Breathing
Introduced deeper stretches, mobility training, and mindful breathing techniques to enhance flexibility and awareness.
Week 3: Calm the mind and body
Emphasized meditation and yoga nidra (yogic sleep) practices to promote deep relaxation and mental clarity.
Week 4: Restore
Engaged in group yoga activities aimed at restoring focus, building connection.
Closure Session:
The final session combined practices from all weeks, with yoga, meditation, and group reflections on sleep wellness.
Participation and Engagement:
The program witnessed enthusiastic participation, with an average attendance of 22 participants per session. Many attendees reported feeling more relaxed, with noticeable improvements in their sleep patterns over the course of the month.
Feedback collected at the end of the program indicated a positive response. Encouraged by the positive outcomes, plans are underway to integrate similar wellness programs into regular schedules to promote long-term health and well-being.
2. VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSION on “Sleep in Elderly”
DATE:MARCH 7th 2025
TIME: 6.00 – 7.30 PM
The Departments of Physiology, Psychiatry, and Mind-Body Medicine at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research organized a Virtual Panel Discussion on “Sleep in the Elderly” on March 7, 2025. The session aimed to shed light on the challenges older adults face in getting quality sleep and to explore holistic approaches to improving sleep health.
Bringing together a panel of esteemed experts, the discussion covered topics ranging from Physiology and Geriatric Medicine to Psychiatry, Respiratory health, and Mind-body practices
The event was initiated by Dr. K. Muthu Prathibha .K, Professor& Head of Physiology, who warmly welcomed both the panelists and attendees. She highlighted the importance of addressing sleep health in the elderly and introduced the panelists, each an expert in their respective fields:
Dr. Priscilla Johnson – Associate Dean- Pre clinical , Professor of Physiology
Dr. Sathiyamurthy P – Professor & Head, Geriatric Medicine
Dr. T. Dhanasekar – Professor & Head, Respiratory Medicine
Dr. Nileena N.K.M – Assistant Professor, Psychiatry
Dr. Mathangi D.C – Professor & Head, Mind-Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences
Each expert brought their unique perspective, making for a well-rounded and deeply informative discussion.The discussion explored how sleep patterns evolve with age, the factors affecting sleep quality, and practical solutions for better sleep in the elderly.
The key points covered are as follows:
– Aging alters our circadian rhythm, leading to fragmented sleep.
– Dietary habits play a crucial role in sleep quality, varying across India’s diverse cultures.
– Common sleep issues among the elderly include insomnia, frequent nighttime awakenings, and early morning waking.
– The need for personalized healthcare strategies that consider India’s social and economic diversity.
– Sleep apnea and other respiratory issues are becoming increasingly common among India’s aging population.
– The challenges in diagnosis and treatment, urging for better screening practices.
– There’s a strong link between sleep and mental health, particularly – depression in the elderly.
– Overcoming mental health stigma is key to ensuring older adults get the care they need.
– The role of diet, vitamins, and minerals in regulating sleep patterns, emphasizing that nutritional deficiencies can contribute to sleep disturbances and mental health issues
– Traditional practices like yoga, pranayama, and meditation can significantly improve sleep.
– Success stories of how mind-body interventions have enhanced sleep quality in older adults.
– Nutrition plays a key role in sleep regulation, and ensuring an adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals can support a healthy sleep cycle.
The discussion was dynamic, with panelists sharing their insights, research, and practical advice for improving sleep health in the elderly.
The session ended with a Q&A segment, where attendees asked thought-provoking questions about sleep hygiene, alternative therapies, and practical interventions for better sleep in the elderly. The panelists provided well-rounded responses, ensuring a meaningful exchange of ideas.Dr. S. Lalitha Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology wrapped up the session with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks.This event was more than just a panel discussion—it was a learning experience, a knowledge-sharing platform, and a step toward better sleep health for the elderly. With the overwhelming response from participants, it is clear that such sessions are not only necessary but deeply impactful.
3.REELS AND MEMES COMPETITION
(For all students of SRIHER( Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research) Chennai)
As part of our Sleep Awareness Initiative, we invited students to create memes and reels on the theme “Make Sleep Health a Priority.” Recognizing that reels and memes are engaging and familiar formats for students, we saw this as an innovative way to enhance their understanding of sleep while also raising awareness in a fun and relatable manner.
The response was overwhelming, with students showcasing their creativity, humor, and knowledge through visually compelling content. Their work highlighted the importance of healthy sleep habits, busting myths, and emphasizing the consequences of poor sleep in an entertaining yet educational way.
We are truly grateful to Dr. Senthil, who graciously accepted the responsibility of judging the entries. His meticulous evaluation in selecting the winners was no easy task, given the exceptional creativity and effort put forth by all participants.This initiative encouraged student engagement and reinforced the message that sleep health is essential for overall well-being. The event was a resounding success, proving that education and awareness can go hand in hand with creativity and enjoyment.
4. E-POSTER CONTEST
(For all students of SRIHER( Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai)
The department of Mind Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences coordinated the E-poster contest for the students of SRIHER on the Theme – Lets make Sleep Health a Priority. Students were given clear instructions on the Do’s and Dont’s for designing their E-posters. We received a total of 37 E-posters which were diligently reviewed and scored by two judges (Dr.Blessy and Ms.Betty, Faculty of SRIHER) and 3 Prizes were awarded.
5. ART COMPETITION – “Good Habits for Good Sleep”
Std. 6 – 9 Students of Dr. MGR Home and HSS for Speech and Hearing Impaired
An art contest was conducted for the students of Dr MGR School of speech and hearing impaired on the theme – Good habits for good sleep. The faculty who visited the school for conducting the awareness talk judged the entries and distributed the prizes for the winners.
The judging experience of the artworks was very rewarding. The artworks displayed deep thinking & creativity. The Intermediate Grade Students showcased, and exceptional performance in delivering sleep awareness.
6. ART AND POETRY CONTEST
(For students of Form 6 to 11 of The Pupil IB School)
The art and poetry contest were announced online and the entries were obtained by registrations through google forms. The art entries were circulated to judges unrelated to both the school and the organising committee. The judges evaluated the artworks and announced the prize winners on the day of school, visiting for the awareness Q&A session, the prizes were distributed.
C. EVENTS AT COMMUNITY LEVEL:
1. MIME SHOW:
Purpose of the Event:
In view of World Sleep Day 2025 “Nithirai Thiruvizha”, a mime show was performed by 20 Phase I MBBS students through the Department of Physiology, SRMC & RI, based on the global theme “Make Sleep Health a Priority.” The core aim of this initiative was to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits and their impact on mental well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. By using the silent and expressive art form of mime, the performance aimed to creatively and engagingly address serious issues such as sleep deprivation, poor mental health, and lack of productivity. The show was carefully designed to be short yet impactful, ensuring that it could effectively capture the audience’s attention and inspire them to adopt better sleep practices in their daily lives.
Program details :
Session 1: 07.03.2025 – Medical Centre, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital
Session 2: 10.03.2025 & 12.03.2025 G- BLOCK- Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Hospital
Session 3: 12.03.2025 – Medical College lobby
Session 4: 13.03.2025 – The Pupil IB school
Session 5: 14.03.2025 : Performance at the grand finale at Lecture theatre 4, Medical College
The mime show was performed at the designated locations, attracting considerable attention and participation. Consent was obtained from 20 Phase 1 – MBBS students involved, who delivered powerful performances, skillfully portraying the consequences of neglecting sleep and the struggles associated with sleep deprivation. The mime used expressive gestures and creative storytelling to highlight the mental, emotional, and physical toll of poor sleep, while also offering hope and encouragement for healthier sleep habits. Despite being a non-verbal performance, the message was clear, strong, and thought-provoking.The mime show reached a wide audience, including students rushing between classes, faculty members, hospital staff, patients, and visitors. By performing in high-traffic areas on campus, the event successfully captured the attention of people from all walks of life. The creative and engaging format of the mime helped convey serious messages in a way that was easily understood and well-received. Overall, the event succeeded in raising awareness about the importance of sleep health, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own sleep patterns, and emphasizing the need to prioritize sleep as a key component of overall well-being.
2. CORPORATE OUTREACH LECTURES FOR IT AND SHIFT WORKERS on Sleep and Yoga: Virtual session 1
A virtual session on Sleep Health for Night Shift Workers was successfully conducted for the employees of Smart Data Solutions, with a focus on promoting better sleep and well-being among those working non-traditional hours.Session Focus Areas:
Key Challenges Addressed:
The session highlighted the specific sleep-related challenges faced by night shift workers, including disrupted sleep patterns, fatigue, and decreased alertness.
– Creating a Restful Daytime Environment:
Practical strategies were discussed to help participants create a calm, sleep-conducive environment during the daytime, such as light control, noise reduction, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
– Yoga and Breathing Techniques:
Simple and effective yoga and breathing exercises were demonstrated to help participants relax, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality.
Feedback and Response:
The session received highly positive feedback from participants. Attendees appreciated the practical tips and found the session engaging and beneficial to their unique needs. There was strong encouragement from participants for organising similar wellness sessions in the future, reflecting a clear interest in ongoing support for night shift workers.
The session was well-received and contributed positively to employee wellness. Future sessions on similar themes are recommended to further support the health and productivity of night shift workers at Smart Data Solutions.
3. CORPORATE OUTREACH LECTURE on Sleep and Yoga: Virtual session 2
RAMCO Corporation a major IT giant down south of India regularly conducts health specific topics in their “Just Curious” session. In order to bring in the importance of quality and quantity of sleep including depth of sleep, Dr.D.C.Mathangi conducted an online session with over 60 virtual participants joining and moderated by Mr.Daniel from the Ramco systems.This 1 hour session had a brief presentation on sleep and its importance, sleep deprivation and its impact on health and burden to a country. This first segment of the session was opened for several rounds of questions and doubts from the participants which were clarified by Dr.Mathangi.
The second segment of the session focussed on handling jet lag and working across time zone compromising on sleep. Measures to handle sleep dept, circadian disturbances were discussed including adverse health impacts of both. This segment was more specifically designed for IT professionals due to their work pattern and enthused the participants to get multiple doubts cleared.The final segment of the session focussed on various non-pharmacological methods like, yoga, music, breathing techniques, guided meditation, progressive muscle relaxation techniques and specific food items which help in quality sleep. This segment was an eye opener for the participants, as the brief mechanisms behind each were also discussed. A few simple techniques were also virtually practiced by the participants.
Overall, the session received highly encouraging positive feedback from the participants and appreciated their learning from the session.
D. GRAND FINALE – Nithirai Thiruvizha comes to an end
World sleep day 2025 CELEBRATIONS ON MAR 14th 2025 at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai
Nithirai Thiruvizha – World sleep Day 2025 came to an end with a grand finale that was celebrated on 14.03.2025. The event was presided over by Dr Balaji Singh, Dean, SRMC & RI and other dignitaries. Dr Sabari Sridhar, Professor and head, Department of Psychiatry welcomed the august gathering. Dr Balaji Singh Dean SRMCNRI delivered the special address, highlighting upon the significance of sleep hygiene and sleep disorders, especially in medical students. The event included a report presentation of Nithirai Thiruvizha, the month long endeavour and celebrated the competition winners and participants. The audience and the administration appreciated the month-long endeavour which aimed at highlighting how sleep impacts physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
The highlight of the session was a panel discussion on “Sleep in adolescence”.
The Departments of Physiology, Psychiatry, and Mind-Body Medicine at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research organized another Panel Discussion on “Sleep in the Adolescence” to throw light on the challenges that the young adolescents, especially medical students face in getting quality sleep and to explore holistic approaches to improving sleep hygiene.
A panel of experts was formulated and moderated by Dr Prathibha professor and head physiology. The panelists included:
Dr R Padmavathi Senior professor, Physiology
Dr DC Mathangi Professor and head, Mind body medicine
Dr Sabari Sridhar, Professor and head, Psychiatry
Miss Smriti, PhD scholar from Mind body medicine, and
Mr Udayashankar, Phase 1MBBS student
The discussion covered topics ranging from Physiology and Mind Body medicine to Psychiatry, and turned out to be a discussion on various theoretical and practical aspects pertaining to sleep in adolescence.
The key Takeaway points from the panel discussion are as follows:
– Delayed Sleep Phase: Adolescents experience later sleep onset due to melatonin shifts, reducing deep sleep and increasing REM sleep.
– Irregular Sleep Patterns: Social, academic pressures lead to sleep debt on weekdays and erratic weekend recovery, worsening chronic deprivation.
– Cognitive Impairment: Poor sleep affects memory, attention, decision-making, and executive function, increasing risk-taking behaviors.
– Mental Health Risks: Sleep deprivation heightens anxiety, depression, mood instability, and suicidal tendencies by disrupting neurotransmitter balance.
– Blue Light Impact: Excessive screen exposure delays sleep, overstimulates the brain, and increases stress, anxiety, and social isolation.
– Graduate Student Sleep Trends: Erratic schedules, digital distractions, and academic pressure contribute to sleep deprivation, stress, and burnout.
– Physical Health Consequences: Inadequate sleep leads to obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular issues, weakened immunity, and hormonal imbalances.
– Parental & School Role: Schools should delay start times, integrate sleep education, and parents should set screen limits and encourage bedtime routines.
– Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness improve sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
– Effective Sleep Hygiene: Maintain regular sleep schedules, limit caffeine and screen exposure, and practice relaxation techniques for better academic performance.
The panel discussion invited a lot of attention and interaction. The feedback was positive with a number of students, raising queries on sleep, hygiene, and mental health.Following the final mime show for the audience of the grand finale, prize distribution for the winners of the various competitions happened. The Dean and the various dignitaries distributed the prizes to the winners and the participants. Dr Balaji Singh, Dean, Medical College, extended his appreciation and felicitated the coordinators of “Nithirai Thiruvizha” – World sleep Day 2025 from the Department of Physiology, Psychiatry and Mind body medicine & lifestyle sciences.
Dr DC Mathangi presented the vote of thanks and offered her gratitude to the administration, coordinators, participants, and all department members for their generous contributions towards the successful conduct of Nithira Thiruvizha world sleep Day 2025. The event was covered by the local newspapers and media to ensure awareness among the public.
As the event came to a close, marking the end of a month-long endeavour that aimed to spread awareness on sleep at the individual, institutional and community levels, together, we look forward to working together as Sleep Ambassadors and spreading awareness about healthy sleep hygiene.
TOGETHER LET US MAKE SLEEP HEALTH A PRIORITY
Location: Chennai, TAMIL NADU
Date of Activity: Feb 15 – Mar 14
Submitted by: Dr K Muthu Prathibha, Professor and Head, Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Porur, Chennai, INDIA
