Delegate: Portuguese Sleep Association, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Coimbra, Portugal
Delegate Short Bio: The Portuguese Sleep Association (APS) aims to promote action on research, development, investigation and dissemination of topics related to sleep and sleep disorders. Bringing together clinicians and other health professionals, investigators, and educators, APS looks for a multidisciplinary evolution in order to promote an improvement in technical and scientific knowledge as well as an enhancement of professional and public awareness about the importance of sleep in all its aspects.
The Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of the University of Coimbra (CNC -UC) integrates CiBB R&I unit and is a scientific institute that fosters high-level biomedical and biotechnology research with societal impact, promotes multidisciplinary graduate training, and provides specialized services to healthcare institutions and the entrepreneurial community. As a modern research institution where novel scientific and social challenges arise, the center is also strongly committed to science communication, including awareness on the importance of a healthy sleep. CNC-UC has actively engaged in science communication initiatives aimed at enhancing literacy, promoting dialogue between scientists and society, disseminating CNC-UC’s findings through various media channels, ensuring public accountability, and nurturing a culture of scientific inquiry.
Scope of Activity: Campaign
Activity: APS and CNC-UC join forces every year to carry out a campaign with various activities in order to raise public awareness about the importance of sleep and its impact on health. This year, a large-scale national campaign was conducted based on the slogan “Sleep well to live better”, comprising the following activities:
Promotion of the ESRS Drawing Contest. APS partnered with the European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) to promote the drawing contest themed “Good nights start with good routines”. Invitations were sent to several schools across the country, resulting in excellent participation. A total of 273 drawings were received, evaluated, and classified.
Launch of the World Sleep Day Spotify Playlist. To mark the occasion, a special playlist (with 35 different songs) was created featuring a collection of songs that begin with the energy of great classics and gradually decelerate — track by track — into soothing ambient music. It serves as the perfect soundtrack to disconnect from the daily grind and prepare for a restorative sleep. The playlist was widely shared across our social media platforms: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OtiVArql9fbqUJCMeCWh0
Sleep awareness initiatives. Three educational events, in collaboration with Câmara Municipal de Lisboa and Câmara Municipal do Porto, were organized on World Sleep Day for primary school students in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. These interactive sessions focused on teaching sleep hygiene and highlighting the crucial role of sleep in improving learning capabilities and overall quality of life. During these sessions, the anthem “O Sono” [https://player.vimeo.com/progressive_redirect/download/1069653393/rendition/1080p/hino_aps_o_sono%20%281080p%29.mp4?loc=external&signature=f3efe7d77aeb82fa5500cdb6d00758ec40f0a6b4afd23e01a4d61163b9ac3477] and the book “Uma Viagem Ilustrada ao Mundo do Sono” [https://secretariado.pt/APS/LivroAPS_FINAL_DIGITAL.pdf] were also presented to the students. This book, produced by us, features short poems and drawings made by school children during previous World Sleep Day contests. Additionally, throughout March, members of CNC and APS promoted various awareness campaigns in schools and hospitals across Portugal. These included drawing exhibitions, animations, and discussions emphasizing the importance of healthy sleep.
Campaign Infographic Video. An engaging infographic video was created under the campaign’s central theme. The video was widely disseminated across various social media platforms to visually educate the general public on sleep health: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18K5haqWNP/
Digital Campaign with Public Figures and Influencers. A widespread digital awareness campaign was launched in partnership with celebrities and digital influencers. These public figures shared personal videos explaining the vital role that a good night’s sleep plays in both their daily personal routines and professional lives, helping to reach a broader and more diverse audience.
Media Campaign about the importance of sleep. An extensive campaign was conducted, resulting in approximately 60 news pieces across television, radio, print, and online media.
Location: All over Portugal
Date of Activity: March 1st – March 31st, 2026
