Sleep Matters Initiative

Improved Sleep Leads to a Healthier Life

Sleep Matters Initiative

The Sleep Matters Initiative (SMI), led by clinicians and researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, aims to implement evidence-based clinical treatments for sleep and circadian disorders, and to change the culture of sleep. SMI aims to improve health, safety, performance and well-being of people worldwide by translating cutting-edge research on sleep and circadian rhythms into practice.

Sleep, nutrition and exercise are the three pillars of good health. Too often, evidence-based practices to promote healthy sleep fail to reach widespread societal awareness or adoption. Sleep deficiency and untreated sleep disorders take years off our lives, compromise safety in the workplace, and cost the economy billions of dollars each year. The SMI is seeking to change this by continuing innovative research programs, advocating for sleep and circadian-friendly policies, and by developing easy-to-use, evidence-based interventions, such as our comprehensive Sleep Health Wellness Program and educational offerings for high schools, colleges, and businesses.

To date, the SMI has helped more than 25,000 police, firefighters, healthcare providers, laborers, and even astronauts. We have published impactful research in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Science, and Nature; served in leadership positions for national organizations advocating for sleep health; and are recognized as worldwide experts in sleep and circadian rhythms. Increased awareness and knowledge of core sleep and circadian principles are relevant to people in all walks of life. Contact us to find out how we can help you optimize your health, safety, and workplace performance. Join us in changing the culture of sleep in our society, and live a healthier and happier life.

See how much sleep is costing your workforce: Sleep Calculator

The Importance of Sleep