2026 House Resolution 331

Whereas, Healthy sleep is essential for physical health, mental well-being, learning, and safety, and is especially critical for growing and developing brains; and

Whereas, Adults need an average of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, and adolescents require 8 to 10 hours, yet data shows that more than one in three adults and over eight in ten Michigan adolescents do not get enough sleep; and

Whereas, Insufficient sleep has been linked to a wide range of serious health conditions, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of injury and premature death; and

Whereas, Sleep deprivation in adolescents is compounded by biological shifts that naturally delay sleep onset, while early school start times prevent sufficient rest, resulting in chronic and widespread sleep loss; and

Whereas, Insufficient sleep also increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, poor academic performance, and mental health challenges, making it a significant public safety and public health issue; and

Whereas, Sleep deprivation causes drowsy driving, resulting in numerous fatalities each year, disproportionately caused by adolescent drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports an estimated 100,000 crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving, resulting in more than 71,000 injuries and $12.5 million in damages; and

Whereas, Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have identified insufficient sleep, particularly among youth, as a public health epidemic; and

Whereas, Improving sleep health requires coordinated efforts in education, healthcare, and community awareness to address cultural, biological, and environmental contributors to chronic sleep deprivation; and

Whereas, Adolescents sleeping less than 8 hours have 1.7 times higher risk of sports injury; research confirms that sleep deprivation elevates musculoskeletal injury risk in youth athletes and concussions; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 11, 2026, as Sleep Deprivation Awareness Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize the issues and risks associated with sleep deprivation and encourage residents to reflect on their sleep habits.