This World Sleep Day, March 14, sleep and resilience expert Joni Peddie is highlighting the vital link between sleep and nutrition, aligning with the World Sleep Society’s theme, ‘Make Sleep a Priority’.
Peddie, author of the eBook ‘Make Sleep Your Superpower, and CEO of Resilient People and founder of the #BounceForward™ mindset movement, emphasises that sleep is as fundamental to health as diet and exercise.
“The science is unequivocal: sleep is not merely about rest, it’s about restoration,’ says Peddie. “Quality sleep facilitates the removal of toxins from the brain, enhances memory function, and strengthens our immune system. Prioritising sleep is an investment in all aspects of our well-being.'”
Recent findings from the World Sleep Society show that poor sleep can increase the risks of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It also weakens our immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections, which in turn further disrupts our sleep—creating a harmful cycle. “We need to break this cycle,” Peddie warns.
But Peddie stresses that good sleep goes beyond the number of hours slept. It’s deeply connected to what we eat. “In South Africa, some communities face digital distractions that keep them up at night, while others struggle with the challenge of sleeping on an empty stomach. This is why I’m supporting e’Pap, a nutrition solution making a real difference, especially in South African Early Childhood Centres,” she explains.
e’Pap offers an innovative and affordable solution to help bridge the sleep-nutrition gap. Each 50g serving provides 50% of daily micro nutritional needs, with whole grains, complete protein and essential amino acids; 22 essential vitamins and minerals; as well as being high in iron and zinc—all with no cooking required.
“Good nutrition provides the foundation for quality sleep. During sleep, our bodies undergo vital repair and rejuvenation processes, requiring adequate nutritional fuel. This is why I am committed to spreading this message through my eBook and actively supporting practical nutrition programs like e’Pap “
On World Sleep Day, Peddie’s message is clear: Making sleep a priority isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for our health. By combining good sleep habits with proper nutrition, we can build healthier, more resilient communities across South Africa.