Delegate: Egas Moniz School of Heath and Science
Delegate Short Bio: André Mariz de Almeida is a dentist, researcher, and professor specializing in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), orofacial pain, and dental sleep medicine. He teaches at the Egas Moniz School of Health and Science in Lisbon and is actively involved in clinical care, education, and research at the interface between sleep, pain, and craniofacial function.
He has authored more than 40 scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and serves as a reviewer for several leading journals in dentistry and sleep medicine. His research focuses on mechanisms linking sleep disorders, bruxism, and orofacial pain, as well as minimally invasive therapies for temporomandibular joint disorders.
Dr. Almeida is President of the Portuguese Society of Temporomandibular Disorders, Orofacial Pain and Sleep and collaborates internationally in academic and clinical initiatives aimed at improving education, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management of sleep-related craniofacial disorders.
His work aims to bridge dentistry, sleep medicine, and neuroscience to improve patient outcomes and advance global education in dental sleep medicine.
Scope of Activity: Individual activity
Activity: Promoting Sleep Health Among Higher Education Students in Portugal
Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, playing a crucial role in physical, mental,
and social well-being. Despite its importance, insufficient and poor-quality sleep
are highly prevalent among university students, negatively affecting academic
performance, mental health, metabolic regulation, and long-term disease risk.
In the context of World Sleep Day, we propose a national initiative aimed at
raising awareness of the importance of sleep among higher education students
in Portugal. This initiative will focus on education, prevention, and
empowerment, promoting healthy sleep habits tailored to the specific
challenges faced by this population.
The initiative will be officially presented on World Sleep Day. First, we will
present a dedicated meeting that will take place in June, focusing on the role of
sleep within the One Health concept, highlighting the interconnection between
human health, mental well-being, lifestyle, and societal and environmental
factors. Sleep will be addressed as a key modifiable determinant of health
across the lifespan and as an essential component of sustainable health
systems. Second, evidence-based sleep recommendations specifically
designed for higher education students will be developed and disseminated.
These recommendations will address common issues in this population,
including irregular sleep schedules, academic stress, screen exposure, social
habits, and substance use. The materials will be distributed through educational
institutions, digital platforms, and social media, ensuring broad and accessible
outreach.
By targeting university students, this initiative aims not only to improve current
sleep health but also to foster long-term healthy behaviors that will positively
impact individual health, academic success, and future societal well-being.
Promoting sleep health in young adults represents an investment in public
health that aligns with movement Help the world Sleep Well and Live Better.
Location: Portugal
Date of Activity: 13 march 2026
