Delegate: Department of Mind Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences, Physiology and Psychiatry, SRIHER, Tamilnadu, India
Delegate Short Bio: Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, is a premier Deemed-to-be-University known for excellence in health sciences education, research, and patient care. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, interdisciplinary programs, and a strong focus on evidence-based practice, SRIHER integrates academics with compassionate community service.
The Department of Mind Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences fosters integrative approaches, bridging modern biomedical sciences with traditional knowledge systems, while nurturing critical thinking, ethical practice, and holistic understanding among students and researchers. Our department along with the Department of Physiology and Psychiatry has planned to jointly organize multiple activities beyond the sleep day celebration to create awareness on sleep and its importance.
Scope of Activity: Enduring program
Activity: “SRIHER’s World Sleep Day 2026 initiatives were based on the strong foundation of transformative sleep health awareness into an engaging, interdisciplinary, and community-driven movement toward preventive well-being.” Departments of Mind Body Medicine & Lifestyle Sciences partnering with department of Physiology, psychiatry, pediatrics and the student clubs including the Rotaract club worked cohesively for this years impactful 2026 sleep day awareness events.
The World Sleep Day 2026 initiatives at SRIHER exemplify a comprehensive, evidence-informed, and community-oriented model of health promotion. By integrating education, outreach, lifestyle intervention, and creative engagement, the team effectively translated the message of sleep as a cornerstone of health into meaningful action across the lifespan.
Through an Integrated Approach to Sleep Health Promotion, the activities reflect a multi-level engagement strategy, targeting:
• Students through academic quizzes and interdisciplinary learning
• Children and caregivers through school and pediatric outreach
• Community participants via awareness sessions and wellness education
• Senior citizens through age-specific lifestyle interventions
• Faculty and learners via expert talks and structured wellness programs
This wide outreach highlights our commitment to lifespan-based health education and preventive medicine.
Key Thematic Pillars
1. Scientific & Academic Reinforcement
2. Lifestyle & Preventive Health Education
3. Community & Outreach Impact
4. Mind–Body & Integrative Health Focus
5. Creative & Interdisciplinary Engagement
Outcomes & Impact
• Enhanced sleep-health literacy across diverse populations
• Strengthened student engagement and experiential learning
• Promoted behavioral change awareness in sleep practices
• Fostered interdisciplinary collaboration across departments
• Reinforced institutional leadership in preventive and lifestyle medicine
SLEEP DAY ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY – 1
Delegate:
Department of Mind body medicine and lifestyle sciences & Medical Quiz Club
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The Medical Quiz Club in collaboration with the Department of Mind body medicine and lifestyle sciences, at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRIHER) promotes academic engagement through interactive, evidence-based learning activities designed for undergraduate medical students. The club regularly organizes knowledge-driven events in collaboration with academic departments to strengthen conceptual understanding of clinically relevant topics such as sleep physiology, lifestyle medicine, and preventive health.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Medical Education Activity / Student Engagement Initiative
Activity: In observance of World Sleep Day 2026, the Medical Quiz Club, in collaboration with the Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences, organized an interactive online quiz event titled “The REM Sleep” on March 21, 2026, with the objective of promoting awareness about sleep physiology and healthy sleep practices among undergraduate medical students.
The event was conducted through an online interactive quiz platform and witnessed enthusiastic participation from MBBS students across multiple phases, reflecting strong academic interest in sleep health and its clinical relevance.
To enhance engagement and learning retention, the quiz was structured using a gamified format, allowing participants to:
● select preferred themes
● progress through questions interactively
● attempt questions at their own pace
● engage in self-directed learning within a competitive framework
The quiz content was carefully curated to cover important domains including:
● normal physiology of sleep
● stages of sleep and associated neurophysiological events
● REM and non-REM sleep characteristics
● sleep disorders across different age groups
● clinical case-based sleep scenarios
● sleep hygiene principles relevant to future healthcare professionals
Questions were presented primarily in MCQ format, integrating both conceptual knowledge and clinically oriented reasoning to support applied learning.
The initiative successfully combined academic reinforcement with interactive participation, strengthening awareness of sleep health among future healthcare professionals and supporting institutional efforts aligned with the World Sleep Day theme: “Sleep Well, Live Better.”
Location: online Event, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 21, 2026
ACTIVITY – 2
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Cognitive Health Education / Academic Interdisciplinary Program
Activity: The Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences, SRIHER, organized an expert session titled “Rewriting Brain Aging” on March 9, 2026, at Smt. Kamalam Udayar Silver Jubilee Hall, Department of Physiology, as part of institutional initiatives promoting brain health, neuroplasticity awareness, and lifestyle-based preventive approaches aligned with the World Sleep Day theme: “Sleep Well, Live Better.”
The session featured expert talks by:
● Dr. Patrick Porter
● Dr. Aruna Viswanathan
● M. A. M. M. Annamalai Chettiar
The speakers shared insights on:
● neuroplasticity and brain adaptability across the lifespan
● regenerative brain health through lifestyle interventions
● the relationship between sleep quality and cognitive resilience
● mind–body strategies supporting long-term neurological well-being
A key highlight of the session included live demonstrations of brainwave entrainment techniques, illustrating how modulation of neural rhythms may support:
● relaxation responses
● attention regulation
● stress reduction
● improved sleep readiness and cognitive performance
The session also emphasized holistic lifestyle approaches such as:
● sleep regulation
● meditation and breath awareness
● structured behavioral routines
● integrative wellness strategies for healthy brain aging
The event promoted interdisciplinary academic engagement among students and faculty, reinforcing the importance of sleep-supported neurocognitive health and preventive lifestyle medicine within institutional wellness initiatives.
Location: Smt. Kamalam Udayar Silver Jubilee Hall, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 9, 2026
ACTIVITY -3
Delegate: Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences (MBMLS)
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences at SRIHER conducts preventive health education programs integrating sleep science, behavioral medicine, lifestyle modification, and mind–body practices. The department actively promotes early-life health literacy through outreach initiatives addressing sleep hygiene, stress regulation, and metabolic health among children, caregivers, and healthcare trainees.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Pediatric Lifestyle Education / Community Outreach Initiative
Activity: The Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences conducted a pediatric awareness program titled “Sleep and Obesity Awareness” on March 12, 2026, at the Paediatric OP & IP, G-Block, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute. The initiative was delivered by first-year MBBS students under departmental guidance as part of institutional preventive health outreach aligned with sleep-health promotion objectives.
The session focused on educating children and caregivers about the important relationship between sleep quality and healthy weight regulation during childhood growth and development.
Key learning themes addressed included:
● the role of adequate sleep in metabolic regulation and appetite control
● the relationship between sleep deprivation and childhood obesity risk
● importance of consistent sleep routines in growing children
● reducing screen exposure before bedtime
● promoting healthy daily schedules supporting sleep and activity balance
The session empowered families with practical, home-based strategies to improve sleep hygiene and support healthier lifestyle habits for children. Interactive discussion with caregivers strengthened awareness about preventive behavioral approaches that support both sleep health and long-term cardiometabolic well-being.
This initiative contributed to institutional efforts aimed at early-life preventive health education, reinforcing the role of sleep in supporting healthy growth, learning, and metabolic stability among children.
Location: Paediatric OP & IP, G-Block, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 12, 2026
ACTIVITY – 4
Delegate: Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences (MBMLS)
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences at SRIHER conducts community-oriented wellness initiatives integrating sleep science, lifestyle medicine, and mind–body approaches across the lifespan. The department actively engages with schools, hospitals, and senior-care communities to promote preventive health literacy, sleep hygiene awareness, and holistic well-being through structured outreach programs.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Senior Citizen Wellness Outreach / Community Engagement Initiative
Activity: As part of institutional efforts promoting healthy aging and sleep-supported well-being, the Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences conducted a senior wellness outreach program at Athulya Assisted Living on March 20, 2026.
The session focused on empowering older adults through mind–body wellness strategies and lifestyle practices designed to improve quality of life and support healthy sleep in later years.
Key components of the session included:
● interactive demonstrations on simple relaxation practices supporting sleep readiness
● lifestyle strategies for improving daily routine stability in older adults
● awareness on the role of sleep in cognitive health and emotional regulation
● discussion on maintaining balanced physical activity and rest cycles
● personalized health insights addressing age-related sleep concerns
Participants actively engaged in the session through discussions and demonstrations that helped bridge clinical knowledge with practical self-care strategies suited for senior populations.
The outreach emphasized the importance of integrating sleep hygiene, structured routines, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle regulation as essential components of healthy aging. The initiative strengthened community partnerships while promoting preventive health awareness among the elderly population.
Overall, the program contributed to institutional efforts aimed at enhancing sleep-supported quality of life among senior citizens through compassionate and evidence-informed community engagement.
Location: Athulya Assisted Living, Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 20, 2026
ACTIVITY – 5
Delegate: Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences (MBMLS), Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences (MBMLS), SRIHER, conducts interdisciplinary outreach programs integrating sleep science, lifestyle medicine, behavioral health, and mind–body practices. The department actively promotes sleep-health literacy through structured community engagement initiatives across diverse populations, supporting preventive healthcare and holistic well-being.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Community Outreach Program / Mind–Body Wellness Education Initiative
Activity: The Department of Mind-Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences conducted a Sleep Awareness Session on March 15, 2026, at Heartfulness, Manapakkam, Chennai, as part of institutional initiatives aligned with World Sleep Day 2026 awareness activities under the theme “Sleep Well, Live Better.”
The session focused on strengthening awareness about the importance of deep, restorative sleep as a foundation for mental clarity, emotional balance, and cardiovascular well-being.
Key components of the session included:
● science-based education on the role of sleep in brain function and mental clarity
● discussion on the relationship between sleep quality and heart health
● practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene and bedtime routines
● guidance on integrating mind–body practices for relaxation and sleep readiness
● personalized sleep coaching suggestions tailored to participant needs
Participants actively engaged in the session through discussions and experiential guidance on adopting sustainable sleep-supportive habits within their daily routines.
The program emphasized the importance of integrating:
● structured sleep schedules
● stress-regulation practices
● mindful relaxation techniques
● lifestyle balance strategies
to improve long-term sleep health and overall well-being.
This initiative strengthened community outreach efforts by promoting preventive sleep-health literacy through evidence-informed and culturally relevant mind–body approaches, empowering participants to adopt healthier sleep behaviors for improved quality of life.
Location: Heartfulness, Manapakkam, Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 15, 2026
ACTIVITY – 6
Delegate: Quiz Club, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The Quiz Club of Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) promotes interdisciplinary academic engagement through interactive knowledge-based activities for students across faculties. The club regularly conducts themed quizzes aligned with health awareness initiatives, encouraging evidence-based learning and student participation in preventive health education topics such as sleep hygiene and lifestyle wellness.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Student Engagement Activity / Educational Initiative
Activity: As part of World Sleep Day 2026 observance under the theme “Sleep Well, Live Better,” the Quiz Club of SRIHER organized an online interactive quiz event titled “Snooze and Know” on 19 March 2026 to promote awareness about sleep health and its role in overall well-being.
The event aimed to enhance understanding of:
● sleep cycles and sleep architecture
● common sleep disorders
● healthy sleep habits and hygiene
● the relationship between sleep and physical and mental performance
A total of 22 participants from multiple faculties across the institution took part in the session. The quiz format encouraged active participation through structured MCQ-based questions that combined conceptual knowledge with practical awareness related to everyday sleep behaviors.
The activity successfully created an engaging platform for students to reflect on their own sleep routines while strengthening awareness about the importance of maintaining regular and healthy sleep patterns in academic and professional life.
Winners:
● 1st Place: Srinath A (Faculty of Engineering)
● 2nd Place: Ashmitha Ashok (MBBS)
● 3rd Place: Ayesha Shafeeqa J (Faculty of Pharmacy)
The initiative contributed to institutional efforts supporting preventive sleep-health education among university students through interactive academic engagement.
Location: Online Event, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Date of Activity: 19 March 2026
ACTIVITY – 7
Delegate: English Literary Club, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The English Literary Club at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) promotes student engagement through creative expression, reflective writing, and interdisciplinary academic initiatives. The club regularly conducts literary events aligned with awareness themes and collaborates with academic departments to integrate creative communication with health education topics such as mental well-being, sleep awareness, and lifestyle balance.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Student Engagement Activity / Educational Outreach Event
Activity: “Dreams from the Depths” was an online creative poetry submission event conducted by the English Literary Club in observance of World Sleep Day 2026, in collaboration with the Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.
The activity invited participants to reflect on the theme of dreams and sleep experiences through poetry, encouraging creative engagement with the psychological and emotional dimensions of sleep. The event aimed to promote awareness about the importance of sleep through artistic expression and student participation.
The program ran from March 16, 2026 to March 21, 2026, during which participants submitted original poems inspired by their dreams. A total of 9 participants contributed entries demonstrating creativity and reflective insight into sleep-related experiences.
One winning entry was selected:
● 1st Place: Ms. Ashmitha Ashok (MBBS, Academic Year 2025–2026)
The event successfully highlighted the relevance of sleep in emotional processing, imagination, and mental well-being while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between literary engagement and sleep-health awareness initiatives.
Location: Online Event, English Literary Club, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 16, 2026 – March 21, 2026
ACTIVITY – 8
Delegate: Rotaract club of SRIHER, Department of Mind Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences, SRIHER and Preventive and Social Medicine.
Scope of the Activity : “Sleep Smart : A Community Awareness Initiative on Healthy Sleep & Lifestyle”
Activity : The programme commenced with an insightful session by Dr. D. C. Mathangi, Professor and Head of the Department of Mind Body Medicine and Lifestyle Sciences.
The session emphasized:
• Importance of adequate sleep
• Impact of poor sleep on physical and mental health
• Relationship between sleep, obesity, diet, and lifestyle
• Role of mindfulness in improving sleep quality
The session was interactive, with community members actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing their experiences. A series of educational posters were displayed to create awareness on the importance of sleep too. The event effectively highlighted the importance of sleep as a fundamental pillar of health and reinforced the role of preventive healthcare in the community.
Location: Urban Health Centre, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Thiruvamiyur, Chennai
Date : 18th March 2026
ACTIVITY – 9
Delegate: Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: The Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (SRIHER), Chennai, conducts academic, community, and school-based health awareness programs focusing on preventive physiology, lifestyle modification, and student wellness. The department actively promotes sleep health literacy through interactive outreach initiatives integrating scientific education with behavioral and mind–body practices for children and young learners.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / School Outreach Program / Community Education Initiative
Activity: As part of World Sleep Day 2026 observance under the theme “Sleep Well, Live Better,” the Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute conducted a sleep awareness outreach program on March 12, 2026, for Grade 5 and Grade 6 students of The Pupil International School.
The objective of the initiative was to promote awareness among school children regarding the importance of healthy sleep habits for:
● physical growth
● brain development
● learning efficiency
● emotional regulation
● overall well-being
The program used interactive and age-appropriate teaching strategies to communicate sleep-health concepts effectively.
Key components of the program included:
1. Welcome Address by School Student: A Grade 5 student formally welcomed the visiting faculty and Phase I MBBS students and introduced the importance of observing World Sleep Day, setting a positive tone for the session.
2. Interactive Sleep Education Session : An engaging session was conducted by Dr. Muthu Prathibha, where previously collected student questions (via Google Forms circulated ten days earlier) were addressed interactively. Important sleep-health messages delivered included:
● children require 8–10 hours of sleep daily
● limiting screen exposure before bedtime
● maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
● improving concentration and academic performance through adequate sleep
Students actively participated in puzzle-solving activities and discussions.
3. Sleep Hygiene Awareness through Fusion Song Performance : Phase I MBBS students presented a creative musical performance highlighting:
● reduction of bedtime screen use
● importance of sleep routines
● benefits of healthy sleep habits
Students enthusiastically joined the activity by singing along using distributed lyric sheets.
4. Role Play Demonstration on Sleep Problems in Children: Faculty and postgraduate students performed a short role play illustrating:
● late-night gadget use
● irregular sleep timing
● consequences of inadequate sleep
Characters inspired by “Motu and Patlu” made the learning experience relatable and memorable for children.
5. Demonstration of Simple Yoga and Relaxation Techniques : Basic sleep-supportive practices were demonstrated by Dr. Divyalakshmi K., enabling students to learn simple techniques they could practice at home to improve sleep readiness and relaxation.
6. Summary and Reinforcement Session : The program concluded with key take-home messages emphasizing:
● sleep and memory consolidation
● sleep and mood regulation
● sleep and academic performance
● sleep and physical health
Students demonstrated strong engagement throughout the session.
As a gesture of appreciation, students and faculty from The Pupil International School presented a handmade framed painting to the visiting team, acknowledging the impact of the awareness session.
Overall, the outreach program successfully promoted sleep-health literacy among school children through interactive education, creative engagement, and practical demonstrations, supporting preventive health awareness aligned with World Sleep Day objectives.
Location: The Pupil International School, Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 12, 2026
ACTIVITY – 10
Delegate: Divyalakshmi K., Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology. Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Delegate Short Bio: Divyalakshmi K., Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, actively promotes preventive health education and student wellness through evidence-based physiological training, lifestyle interventions, and structured mind–body programs. The department regularly conducts academic and wellness initiatives integrating scientific understanding with practical health promotion strategies, including yoga-based interventions supporting stress regulation, autonomic balance, and sleep health awareness among learners and healthcare trainees.
Scope of Activity: Sleep Health Awareness / Educational Wellness Program / Institutional Initiative
Activity: “The 5 Elements – Yoga & Wellness Lab” was a structured 5-week beginner yoga wellness program conducted by the Department of Physiology under the theme “Sleep Well, Live Better.” The initiative aimed to promote sleep readiness, stress reduction, and holistic well-being through scientifically informed yoga practices integrating movement, breath awareness, and guided relaxation techniques.
The program followed a progressive five-element framework:
● Week 1: Earth – Grounding and stability practices
● Week 2: Water – Flow-based release practices
● Week 3: Fire – Activation and transformation practices
● Week 4: Wind – Breath expansion and respiratory awareness
● Week 5: Space – Integration and restorative awareness practices
Each session included:
● Warm-up and mobility practices
● Element-based asana sequences
● Structured pranayama practices
● Guided relaxation and awareness-based techniques supporting sleep preparation
The program was inaugurated on March 16, 2026, at the Clinical Physiology Laboratory, Medical College Block, SRIHER. The sessions were conducted with limited participant capacity to ensure safe instruction and individualized attention. Participant feedback indicated improved relaxation, reduced perceived stress, enhanced body awareness, and better sleep readiness following participation. The initiative demonstrated feasibility as an institutional preventive sleep-health promotion program integrating physiological science with traditional yoga practices.
The Department of Physiology acknowledges the coordination and support of Dr. Divyalakshmi K., Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, in the successful implementation of the program.
Location: Department of Physiology, Clinical Physiology Laboratory, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, (SRIHER), Chennai, India
Date of Activity: March 09, 2026 – April 06, 2026
Location: SRIHER, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Date of Activity: March 2026 (multiple dates with 10 activities)
