March 13, 2026, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): March 13 marks World Sleep Day 2026, a timely reminder that sleep is not a luxury, but a cornerstone of health. In our fast-paced, digitally-driven world, sleep often takes a backseat to deadlines, social obligations, and screen time, but experts agree that neglecting rest comes at a serious cost. This year’s theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” perfectly captures the profound impact that quality sleep has on mental, cognitive, and physical wellbeing.
To explore why sleep deserves more attention than ever, we spoke with leading specialists across Dubai, who shed light on the science of sleep, its connection to mental health, and practical ways to restore balance to our nightly rest.
Sleep: the silent pillar of health
Mohammad Nami MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology at Canadian University Dubai, and a sleep physician, emphasises the inseparable link between sleep and mental health.
“For the past several years of my sleep research and practice, I have come to firmly believe that mental health awareness and sleep health awareness must be promoted together, as one cannot truly exist without the other. Sleep is often described as a passive state, but modern neuroscience clearly shows that it is one of the most active and biologically essential processes for maintaining human health.
The theme of this year’s World Sleep Day, ‘Sleep Well, Live Better,’ captures a simple but powerful truth. The quality of our sleep directly shapes how well our brain and body function during the day. When sleep is healthy and restorative, it supports emotional balance, cognitive clarity, metabolic stability, and immune resilience. When sleep is neglected, the effects cascade across nearly every system of the body.”
Sleep is far from rest alone, it’s an active maintenance window. Dr. Nami explains:
“During sleep, neural networks reorganize, memories are consolidated, and metabolic waste products are cleared from brain tissue through the glymphatic system. At the same time, the body performs crucial restorative functions such as hormone regulation, tissue repair, and immune recalibration. In other words, sleep is not simply rest. It is an active biological process that enables the brain and body to function optimally.”
The sleep-mental health connection
Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined. Dr. Camila Jauregui, Psychologist at German Neuroscience Center, notes:
“Sleep plays a fundamental role in both cognitive functioning and mental health. During sleep, the brain is not simply resting; it is actively processing information, consolidating memories, and restoring neural connections that are essential for learning and decision-making. Adequate sleep improves attention, concentration, and problem-solving abilities, which are key components of cognitive performance.”
She adds: “From a mental health perspective, sleep is closely linked to emotional regulation and psychological stability. Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with increased vulnerability to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. When individuals do not obtain sufficient rest, the brain’s capacity to regulate stress responses becomes compromised, often leading to heightened emotional reactivity and reduced resilience in the face of daily challenges.”
Similarly, Prof. Eva Bartels, Neurologist at German Neuroscience Center, highlights memory consolidation as a critical function of sleep: “One of the most important processes that occurs during sleep is memory consolidation, in which the brain organizes and strengthens information learned during the day. This process helps improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and long-term learning. When people do not get enough sleep, their concentration declines and they may struggle to remember new information.”
Sleep and physical health
Sleep is also essential for the body. Dr. Jasmine Ceus of Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital stresses: “Sleep is one of the most important foundations of good health, yet it is often the first thing people sacrifice when life gets busy. When we sleep well, our bodies have the chance to repair, recharge, and prepare for the next day. Good sleep helps improve our mood, focus, memory, and energy levels, which all play a big role in how we feel and perform daily.”
She adds: “Many people don’t realize that sleep also supports the immune system and overall physical health. When we consistently get enough rest, our bodies are better able to manage stress and maintain balance. On the other hand, lack of sleep can leave us feeling drained, unfocused, and more vulnerable to illness over time.”
Practical steps for better sleep
Dr. Gurveen Ranger, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Sage Clinics, shares actionable tips for improving sleep hygiene:
“Sleep is one of the most important foundations of our health, yet it is often the first thing we compromise when life gets busy. Many people think of sleep as simply ‘switching off,’ but in reality the brain is doing some of its most important work while we sleep. Protecting sleep by keeping regular sleep and wake times, limiting late-night screen use, and giving the mind time to wind down in the evening can make a significant difference to both mental and physical health. And for those with insomnia who could do with specialist tailored support, reaching out to a professional is essential sooner rather than later – CBT-I is an evidence-based intervention for insomnia.”
Other simple habits recommended by experts include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine intake in the evening, creating a calm, dark, and comfortable bedroom environment, and incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.
Across all expert commentary, one clear message emerges: sleep should not be sacrificed, it is self-care in its purest form. From supporting emotional stability to boosting cognitive performance and physical health, the restorative power of sleep underpins almost every aspect of wellbeing.