Sleep Initiative
Sleep is not just part of a healthy lifestyle; it is the foundation. And sleeping well is the ultimate preventative medicine and contributor to good health, as it is linked to lower body weights, improved mental and physical health, stronger immune systems, and lower risk of chronic diseases. However, insufficient sleep (quantity and quality) is a global public health epidemic that is often unrecognized and under-reported. It is prevalent across various age groups (as cited in this published research paper The Global Problem of Insufficient Sleep and Its Serious Public Health Implications and others) and is considered to have rather high economic costs.
The Latest News and Resources
Objectives
The Sleep Initiative, co-chaired by Allison Howard and JD Velilla, exists to elevate international conversation on the importance of sleep. In our first year, we will uncover the factors that contribute to restorative sleep and share tips on how to incorporate these into lifestyles, homes and hotels around the world. Looking ahead, we will explore the interplay between sleep and other pillars of wellness (diet, exercise, etc.) and discuss evidence-based categories of products and services to help ensure restorative sleep.
Initiative Leadership
Initiative Chair
Allison Howard, Founder and CEO, Nollapelli, United States
Allison Howard is the founder and CEO of Nollapelli, a new wellness linen company with innovative products that promote healthier sleep, skin and hair. She brings a background in chemical engineering and 20 years of corporate experience in the US and abroad. Allison is passionate about wellness, healthy aging, and simple ways to improve outcomes. She is based in Pittsburgh, PA, and was a member of the former Beauty Meets Wellness Initiative of the GWI.
Vice-Chair
JD Velilla ,Founder, Designing Sleep, United States
JD Velilla is the founder of Designing Sleep, a human performance and recovery company dedicated to improving lives through better sleep. Designing Sleep offers transformative services, including personalized sleep coaching, engaging corporate sleep workshops, and expert sleep consulting for forward-thinking companies. JD brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the table. As a former consumer electronics and smart home product developer, JD has always been captivated by technology’s potential to enhance our lives. However, JD’s focus shifted to sleep during his tenure at a leading American mattress manufacturer. His journey of discovery and experimentation has led to a profound understanding of the importance of sleep in achieving a healthier and more balanced life..
Initiative Members
Meet the renowned thought leaders in this field who are collaborating to educate and evolve wellness in this area of global importance.
Resources
View the research, trends, whitepapers, infographics and more from this Initiative, as well as a curated list of third party resources.
VIEW RESOURCES
Contact Initiative
Please fill out the form so we can learn more about you, which Initiative you are interested in and how you would like to be involved.
