Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, represent one of the most commonly encountered health issues in clinical practice; however, they are still frequently overlooked during the diagnostic and patient management process. Each year, on March 13, World Sleep Day is commemorated, serving as an important moment for healthcare professionals to re-emphasize the role of sleep quality as a fundamental component of health—on par with nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being.

Prevalence of Insomnia: High Yet Frequently Undetected

Numerous studies indicate that insomnia affects approximately 10–30% of the adult population, with a higher prevalence among the elderly, patients with chronic diseases, and individuals with psychiatric and neurological disorders. Nevertheless, sleep-related complaints are often not spontaneously reported by patients and tend to present as secondary concerns, such as fatigue, reduced concentration, headaches, or mood disturbances.

In daily clinical practice, therapeutic focus is often directed toward the primary disease, while sleep quality has yet to become a routine component of screening and clinical evaluation. This situation increases the risk of insomnia becoming chronic and may ultimately worsen overall patient outcomes.

Impact of Sleep Quality on Clinical Outcomes

Poor sleep quality is associated with a wide range of clinical consequences, including:

• Decline in cognitive function and memory
• Impaired emotional regulation and increased risk of mood disorders
• Reduced daytime functioning and productivity
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological conditionss

In patients with comorbidities, insomnia may aggravate symptoms of the underlying disease, increase healthcare utilization, and significantly reduce overall quality of life.

The Importance of Integrating Sleep Screening into Clinical Practice

World Sleep Day serves as a reminder that sleep quality should be actively assessed, rather than waiting for patients to voice complaints. Simple questions such as:

• “How has your sleep quality been recently?”
• “Do you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning?”
• “Does poor sleep affect your daytime activities?”

can serve as initial steps in identifying sleep-related problems. Integrating sleep evaluation into every clinical encounter—both for new patients and during follow-up visits—can facilitate early detection and more comprehensive patient management.

Enhancing Awareness as Part of Holistic Patient Care

For healthcare professionals, raising awareness of sleep quality means adopting a more holistic view of patient care. This approach not only helps improve sleep-related symptoms but also supports the effectiveness of primary disease treatment, enhances patient adherence, and improves long-term quality of life.

World Sleep Day represents an important opportunity to reinforce a shared commitment to making sleep an integral part of clinical assessment and patient care, ultimately leading to more optimal and sustainable health outcomes.

As part of its ongoing efforts to support improvements in healthcare quality, Eisai, guided by its Human Health Care philosophy, is committed to contributing to increased awareness of the importance of sleep quality through various educational initiatives. This commitment is realized through the organization of medical scientific activities, such as webinars and scientific discussions for healthcare professionals, as well as public education initiatives, including community seminars and health awareness programs. Through a comprehensive and collaborative educational approach, Eisai aims to support both healthcare professionals and the wider community in understanding the essential role of quality sleep as an integral component of overall health.