Canary Islands Launch Health Campaign to Combat Rising Sleep Deprivation Crisis

Poor sleep habits in the Canary Islands are becoming a significant health crisis, according to new data from the University Hospital of the Canary Islands (HUC). Experts warn that failing to follow basic sleep hygiene—such as disconnecting from digital devices, eating lighter evening meals, and staying physically active—is leaving the population vulnerable to long-term health problems.

Neurophysiologist Pedro Pérez and Professor Raquel Marín of the University of La Laguna point out that sleep deprivation is a widespread issue across Spain. On average, Spaniards sleep 30 to 40 minutes less per day than other Europeans. This is largely due to a common misconception that equates lack of sleep with higher productivity, causing people to prioritize work and social life over rest.

Biologically, using electronic devices before bed disrupts the body’s internal clock. The artificial light from screens prevents the brain from naturally preparing for sleep, which interferes with essential processes like cell regeneration and memory consolidation. Research shows that maintaining these poor habits for more than three months can lead to chronic insomnia, which now accounts for one-third of all visits to the HUC’s Sleep Pathology Unit.

In response, the Canary Islands Ministry of Health has launched the "Thread of Life" campaign. This long-term initiative, running until 2032, aims to improve public health by encouraging better sleep habits. The campaign seeks to reduce the reliance on sleeping pills—which are currently used by nearly 20% of adults in Spain—by teaching people how to manage stress and create restful environments to improve their overall quality of life.