UTAR tackles sleep crisis with science and tradition,
reaching 2,700 through World Sleep Day initiative

Participants at the fair

With sleep deprivation emerging as a growing public health concern in Malaysia, UTAR has taken a proactive approach through its month-long World Sleep Day 2026 initiative, reaching nearly 2,700 participants locally and globally.

Centred on the theme Sleep Well, Live Better, the initiative was led by the Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing (CHMW) Counsellor Ms N. Navamani from the Department of Student Affairs. The programme adopted a holistic and innovative approach by integrating modern scientific knowledge with traditional and mindfulness-based practices to promote better sleep and overall wellbeing.

Recent findings highlight the urgency of addressing sleep health, with many Malaysians, particularly adolescents and working adults, experiencing insufficient or poor-quality sleep, increasing the risks of stress, reduced productivity, and long-term health issues.

The initiative featured a series of awareness talks attended by approximately 150 participants, comprising UTAR students and community members. These sessions explored the relationship between mental health, lifestyle, and sleep quality from psychological, nutritional, and traditional perspectives.

Psychology of Inner Perception & Its Use for Daily Stress and Emotions by Master Zhen Qing Chuan (front row, middle), a life practitioner of Qigong from Argentina

Eat Well, Sleep Well: How Food Shapes Your Sleep Quality and Wellbeing by Mr Sim Kheng Yuen, a certified health coach

Topics included managing stress and emotional balance through inner perception, as well as the role of nutrition in improving sleep quality. The sessions provided practical strategies to help participants adopt healthier daily habits.

A key highlight was the Mindful Living Fair, held from 13 to 14 March 2026 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, which attracted nearly 1,000 participants. Organised in collaboration with the Mindful Peace Malaysia Association, the fair was supported by 90 volunteers from across the globe.

The event featured hands-on wellness activities such as mindful acupressure, meridian roller exercises, Tai Chi mindfulness ball, yoga and breathing sessions, as well as mindful tea and coffee experiences. Supporting talks addressed sleep challenges including insomnia, excessive dreaming, and anxiety management.

Participants reported immediate relaxation and increased awareness of self-care techniques, particularly through simple, accessible methods such as acupressure, highlighting the programme’s role in promoting inclusive and low-cost solutions to sleep challenges.

The International World Sleep Day 2026 webinar, held on 15 March 2026, brought together a diverse panel of experts from Malaysia and abroad. Organised by CHMW in collaboration with UTAR’s Department of Physiotherapy, the webinar covered topics ranging from insomnia and paediatric sleep to obstructive sleep apnoea and circadian rhythm disorders. The session attracted 1,300 participants from countries including the United States, India, China, Ireland, and Zambia, reflecting strong global engagement and interest in sleep health.

The webinar featured a diverse panel of international and Malaysian experts, including Sim Kheng Yuen, who spoke on Eat Well, Sleep Well: How Food Shapes Your Sleep Quality and Wellbeing; Master Zhen Qing Chuan on Causes of Insomnia and Solutions; Master Shijun Lin on Mindful Acupressure for Better Sleep Through Creativity; Dr Perran Boran on Paediatric Sleep; Prof Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea; and Mr Tarun Amalnerkar on delayed sleep phase disorder.

“Sleep is fundamental to both mental and physical health, yet it is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Through this initiative, we aim to empower individuals with practical, evidence-based strategies to improve their sleep and overall quality of life,” said Ms N. Navamani.

Group photos of the participants at the webinars

SMJK Yu Hua students enjoying themselves after the activities

Extending its impact to younger audiences, an outreach programme was conducted at SMJK Yu Hua, reaching approximately 250 students aged 14 to 17. The programme featured interactive reflection activities and introduced a “Sleep Pledge” to encourage healthier sleep habits. Students gained insights into how sleep affects academic performance, emotional wellbeing, and physical development.

“Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to sleep deprivation due to academic demands and lifestyle habits. Educating them early is key to building sustainable, healthy routines,” said Mr Tarun Amalnerkar from the M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Ms Navamani and Mr Tarun (right) delivering their talk

Overall, the initiative reflects UTAR’s commitment to advancing community health through education, collaboration, and innovation. By integrating scientific knowledge with practical and culturally inclusive approaches, the programme successfully created meaningful impact across diverse communities.

The World Sleep Day 2026 initiative not only raised awareness but also equipped participants with sustainable self-care strategies, contributing to the broader goal of improving sleep health and overall wellbeing in Malaysia and beyond.