SAN JOSE, Calif., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sleep To Live Well Foundation issues an urgent warning in its groundbreaking 2025 State of Sleep Wellness Report, titled "THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: How Lack of Sleep Endangers Over Half of All Americans and Threatens Everyone." The report unveils the Foundation's initiatives to address this insufficient sleep crisis with Sleep Wellness—a holistic approach to Sleep Health that offers a deeper solution than trendy 'sleep hygiene' approaches, products, and tips on social media.
Sleep Wellness empowers physical, mental, and emotional health and longevity. (STLW 2025 State of Sleep Wellness Report)
Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, Medical Director, Sleep To Live Well Foundation
Established as a private operating foundation by Stanford-trained Family Physician Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP, Sleep To Live Well (STLW) is dedicated to helping everyone reclaim their natural ability to sleep deeply. STLW is focusing its initial Sleep Wellness advocacy, education, and resources on the most vulnerable: children experiencing toxic stress and trauma.
"Despite decades of awareness, insufficient sleep remains a national crisis—deeply cultural, quietly generational, and corrosive to our health," says Dr. Roger Washington. "We're especially concerned about how this epidemic continues to undermine the well-being of our youth."
The 2025 State of Sleep Wellness Report is a Wake-up Call
STLW's State of Sleep Wellness Report paints a troubling picture: A 2020 survey revealed that 40 million Americans are grappling with sleep disorders. Alarmingly, 60% of adults reported struggling with sleep problems several nights each week. A recent CDC study worsened this concern, revealing that 50% of children—around 37 million—and 62% of adults—about 161.2 million—are at risk for serious sleep-related illnesses and diseases. The Report underscores the link between insufficient sleep and serious health consequences, with trauma in the lives of Americans from the pressure of modern-day stress and current events.
Sleep Wellness is the Missing Link–the Human Connection
As the Medical Director of STLW, Dr. Washington leverages 35 years treating patients with sleep therapy to develop preventive practices and guidance that extends beyond sleep hygiene tips. This Sleep Wellness approach in all STLW resources addresses sleep-resistant behaviors and trauma-related barriers that disrupt sleep. By combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, Sleep Wellness motivates behavioral changes and better decision-making for improved sleep.
Children's Book: Doctor Bedtime's SLEEP MAGIC: SuperPowers for Super-Sleepers empowers children to embrace sleep as a source of strength.
Parent & Caregiver Guides:Embracing Sleep Wellness - A Family Guide To Transforming Bedtime Resistance Into A Nurturing Ritual. A 64-page guide of advice for children and grace for sleep-deprived parents.
Clinical Sleep Wellness Screening Toolkit: A 3-step Sleep Wellness protocol to assess poor sleep quality in children, along with a Digest that supports trauma-informed care in medical settings. Available to participating clinicians who partner with STLW and ACEs Aware.
Charitable Programs: As part of its community engagement, STLW collaborates with pre-, elementary-, and after-school programs and other children's wellness partners to distribute resources.
Initial Focus on Children: STLW's first concern is supporting children, especially those identified by healthcare providers through ACEs Aware, an initiative aimed at treating adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) early on. STLW is providing children, their parents, and their caregivers with intervention tools that develop sleep "SuperPowers" to combat stress and break cycles of generational sleep resistance.
Empowering Parents and Healthcare Providers: STWL focuses on preventative medicine by partnering with community organizations to equip parents and caregivers with practical guides and bedtime rituals. It also offers healthcare professionals screening toolkits to connect sleep quality with pediatric illnesses and advocate for sleep wellness interventions before sleep disorders and related diseases become chronic.
Leadership
Dr. Roger Washington, MD, FAAFP: STLW Founder and Medical Director, and Member, American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A nationally recognized family physician, educator, and author of Lack of Sufficient Sleep Matters: Decoding the Root Cause of Your Illness, Dr. Washington's pioneering research and personal journey have established Sleep Wellness as a component of preventive and integrative healthcare.
Scarlet Nickhol, MPP, MBA: Executive Director, Chief Marketing Officer, and co-author of STLW's educational materials, leads management and administration, program development, partnerships, and outreach.
Call to Action
STLW invites healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and community organizations to join in building a healthier future with improved sleep. To partner, access resources, or learn more about Sleep Wellness, visit sleeptolivewell.org or contact Scarlet Nickhol, Executive Director, at [email protected].
About Sleep To Live Well Foundation
The Sleep To Live Well Foundation (STLW) is a private operating foundation dedicated to enhancing public health by promoting Sleep Wellness. This holistic, trauma-informed approach empowers children, parents, and healthcare professionals to prioritize restorative sleep as the foundation for lifelong resilience and well-being through free educational resources, outreach, and advocacy.
For media needs, including interviews, images, or more information, please contact Susan von Seggern at [email protected] or 213-840-0077.
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