Rest Is A Right: Sleep Well 2026
Sleep Well: Why Rest Is Where Growing Happens
When we talk about what children need to thrive, we often think of nutritious food, a good education, and a loving home. But there's one need that's easy to overlook, even though kids spend nearly half their lives doing it: sleep.
Sleep is when growing bodies repair and recharge, when young minds turn the day's lessons into lasting memories, and when kids build the energy and emotional balance they need to face the next day. Children who sleep well are better able to focus in school, manage their emotions, and stay healthy.
Yet for many children in our region, a good night's rest isn't possible without a bed of their own. Some share a mattress with siblings or a parent. Others sleep on couches, floors, or piles of blankets. That's why OHAAT dedicates each fall to the Sleep Well Campaign.
What is Sleep Well?
Sleep Well is our educational campaign, running September 1st through October 31st, that shines a light on the connection between healthy sleep and a child's ability to thrive at school, at home, and in their community. Throughout the campaign, we're sharing expert insight, hosting events, and inviting our community to help more children get the rest they need.
Expert voices on sleep health
As part of Sleep Well, OHAAT board member Dr. Ariel Williamson, an internationally renowned sleep health specialist, is hosting a series of short interviews with fellow health specialists. Each conversation explores a different sleep health topic, with practical takeaways for parents, caregivers, and educators. Watch the series here.
Our commitment to sleep health also extends to research. Through partnerships with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Saint Joseph's University, we're working to better understand and share the difference a bed can make in a child's life.
Join us this October
Our first-ever Sleep Health Summit: for the first time, OHAAT is hosting a summit dedicated to children's sleep health, bringing together health professionals, educators, researchers, and community partners. Learn more and register here.
Royal Pancake Party: bring your family and friends for a morning of stacks, smiles, and community, all in support of Beds for Kids. Get your royal tickets here.