Recognizing the importance of sleep health and expressing support for the designation of the week of March 9 through March 15, 2025, as "Sleep Awareness Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 235
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-14T19:04:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 235) aims to highlight the critical role of sleep in maintaining health, well-being, and safety. It formally supports designating the week of March 9 through March 15, 2025, as "Sleep Awareness Week" to raise public awareness about healthy sleep practices.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses): The resolution outlines evidence-based information on sleep, including:
- Sleep's essential role in health and safety.
- Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adults to get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
- Statistics showing widespread sleep shortages: 60% of Americans do not get enough sleep (per the National Sleep Foundation's 2025 poll), and 35% of adults average less than seven hours (per CDC data).
- Health risks of sleep deprivation, such as impaired memory, higher stress, metabolic issues, increased accident risks, and long-term conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression.
- Links between sleep problems and mental health, including how insomnia can signal or worsen depression and anxiety.
- Disparities in sleep quality, noting that Black Americans are less likely to get adequate or high-quality sleep compared to White Americans.
- Historical context: The establishment of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research in 1993 to coordinate federal sleep research, and the National Sleep Foundation's two-decade tradition of organizing Sleep Awareness Week, which is recognized by many states and organizations.
- Actions ("Resolved" Section): The House of Representatives:
- Recognizes sleep health as vital for improving overall health and well-being.
- Supports designating "Sleep Awareness Week."
- Endorses the goals and activities of Sleep Awareness Week.
- Urges public health officials, healthcare providers, educators, parents, and others to promote adequate sleep.
- Encourages Americans to prioritize sleep, adopt good sleep habits, and consult healthcare providers about sleep issues.
- Affirms the need for ongoing policies to enhance sleep health.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It builds on existing federal efforts, such as the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, but introduces no new legal requirements or alterations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness of sleep's health benefits and risks, encouraging better personal habits and discussions with doctors, potentially leading to improved individual and community health outcomes.
- On Government Agencies: Could prompt agencies like the CDC and National Institutes of Health to amplify sleep-related education and research coordination, though without mandating action.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
- Overall, the effects are primarily educational and symbolic, fostering a cultural shift toward prioritizing sleep without enforceable changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- General Public: Americans, particularly those affected by sleep disparities (e.g., Black communities) and health risks from insufficient sleep.
- Healthcare and Public Health Professionals: Doctors, public health officials, and researchers who are encouraged to promote sleep education.
- Educators and Families: Teachers, parents, and caregivers urged to foster healthy sleep habits in children and communities.
- Organizations: The National Sleep Foundation, which organizes Sleep Awareness Week, and federal entities like the CDC and National Institutes of Health involved in sleep research.
- Policymakers: Members of Congress and state officials who may reference the resolution in future health initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It serves as a congressional endorsement rather than a directive.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express views on public health under its general welfare powers (Article I, Section 8), without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support for preventive health measures (introduced by Democratic representatives but potentially appealing across parties). It highlights health equity issues, such as racial disparities in sleep, which could influence future legislation on public health funding or awareness campaigns. The resolution's timing for 2025 suggests it aims to build momentum for ongoing advocacy without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-21: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the importance of sleep health and expressing support for the designation of the week of March 9 through March 15, 2025, as "Sleep Awareness Week". — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (3 pages)