Delegate: Dr. Eden Castro & Dr. Mark Anthony Pascual, Sleep Health Unit, National Center for Mental Health
Delegate Short Bio:
Scope of Activity: Individual activity
Activity: The National Center for Mental Health successfully celebrated World Sleep Day 2026 at the Pag-Asa Hall, National Center for Mental Health, Mandaluyong City, Philippines with the theme “Sleep Well, Live Better” on March 13, 2026.
As the national referral center for mental health patients in the Philippines, this activity truly gave back to the Filipino mental health community with total of 110 participants from the out-patient department receiving Sleep Health education with a three-part lecture. In collaboration with the Public Health Unit and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services, a unique logo was created to promote the importance of sleep health in mental health. The minimalist logo featuring a human head silhouette in profile serves as a powerful metaphor for the intrinsic link between sleep health and mental well-being. In this design, the brain region is subtly transformed into a tranquil night scene with a soft crescent moon and gentle starscape symbolizing the restorative power of quality rest. The use of calming, blue and yellow tones reinforces a sense of peace and emotional balance, illustrating a “rested mind” that is better equipped to manage stress, regulate mood and maintain cognitive clarity. This visual fusion directly communicates that mental heath is nurtured during the quiet hours of sleep where the brain “recharges” to support psychological resilience for the day ahead.
The World Sleep Day activity kicked off with the first lecture delivered by sleep specialist Dr. Eden Castro entitled, “THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP IN MENTAL HEALTH” highlighting what sleep does for the brain, stress, anxiety, and emotions. It focuses on why sleep is as important as food, exercise, and medications.
This was followed by the second lecture given by Ms. Camille Arnaldo (Sleep Technologist) entitled: “COMMON SLEEP PROBLEMS & WHEN TO SEEK HELP which aimed to discuss common sleep problems like difficulty falling or staying sleep, loud snoring, choking, or stopping breathing during sleep, irregular sleep schedules, nightmares, and other unusual behaviors during sleep with emphasis on the right time to seek help from a sleep specialist.
The last lecture entitled: “GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE, GOOD SLEEP HEALTH was given Ms. Patricia Camille Mendoza (Sleep Technologist) which provided practical and easy-to-follow tips for healthy sleep habits like regular sleep time, sleep-friendly bedroom, reducing screen time before bed, safe use of medications, and importance of follow-up and working with sleep specialists. This was followed by the Open Forum Q & A with participants’ questions answered and explained in simple language. Clarification of common myths about sleep was also facilitated. The awarding ceremonies to sleep health partners, sponsors and mental patients who successfully completed the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program were acknowledged followed by the closing remarks by Dr. Mark Anthony Pascual (Sleep Specialist). Further encouragement to prioritize sleep was given emphasis with Information on Sleep Clinic consultation and follow-up disseminated.
During World Sleep Day, patients who successfully completed the psychosocial rehabilitation program were able to man their own booth and sell goods (pins, t-shirts, flowers) with a percentage of proceeds going to the sustenance of their families which showed that good collaboration to raise international awareness for sleep health can also build stronger communities.
Location: Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila 1550
Date of Activity: March 13, 2026
