Sleep security: A rights-based approach

Area of Science:

• Sleep science
• Public health
• Human rights

Background:

• Sleep is crucial for health, but social and environmental factors significantly impact sleep quality.
• A human rights perspective is emerging to address sleep health disparities.
• The concept of sleep security requires formal definition and domain identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and refine the definition and primary domains of sleep security.
• To establish a framework for research and advocacy aimed at improving sleep health.
• To advance a human rights-based approach to understanding and promoting sleep.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi study involving Australian experts in sleep, social determinants, health equity, and environmental health.
• Iterative rounds of expert consensus-building on definitions and domains.
• Qualitative feedback analysis to refine conceptualizations and ensure clarity.

Main Results:

• An overarching definition of sleep security was agreed upon by expert consensus.
• Five primary domains of sleep security were identified: Safety and security, conducive environment, policy and practice, opportunities and demands, and autonomy.
• Refinements to the definition and domain descriptions were made based on expert feedback.

Conclusions:

• A preliminary conceptualization of sleep security offers a guiding framework for improving sleep health.
• The framework supports research and advocacy focused on social, environmental, and structural determinants of sleep.
• Further global validation and refinement of the sleep security framework are recommended.