The World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) will be promoting the message that a good night’s sleep is vital to health and well-being of people of all ages during the 4th annual World Sleep Day on March 18, 2011. Organized by the World Sleep Day Committee, the worldwide event is seen as a platform for medical professionals to deliver the message to the public.

The association points out that sleep problems constitute a global epidemic affecting up to 45% of the world’s population and not limited to adults. Poor sleep affects about 25% of the world’s children.

WASM’s 2011 agenda will focus on a number of sleep topics, including improving the sleep of both adults and children. World Sleep Day events will take place primarily online, featuring educational videos on sleep health, drowsy driving, sleep and education, and public service announcements.