We are delighted to announce that The Sleep Charity has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 BMA Giving award, enabling us to launch an exciting new project designed to support the sleep and wellbeing of doctors and medical students across the UK.
Thanks to this funding, we will develop and pilot a dedicated digital Sleep and Fatigue Support Portal tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals. The project aims to improve sleep knowledge, reduce fatigue-related risks and support healthier working lives through practical, evidence-based resources.
Why Sleep Matters for Healthcare Professionals
Doctors and medical students often work long hours, irregular shifts and demanding schedules. These pressures can significantly impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue, reduced wellbeing and increased risk of errors. Despite the crucial role sleep plays in both personal health and patient safety, many healthcare professionals struggle to access trusted, practical guidance that fits around their working lives.
Through this project, The Sleep Charity will provide accessible support to more than 500 doctors that empowers them to make informed decisions about their sleep and recovery, helping them feel more confident in managing fatigue and prioritising their wellbeing.
What the Portal Will Offer
Over the next 12 months, we will design, develop and evaluate a dedicated digital hub featuring:
- Evidence-based sleep guides and resources
- Short expert-led educational video modules
- Practical fatigue management tools for shift workers and on-call recovery
- Live webinars tailored to doctors’ working patterns
- Opportunities for ongoing learning and support through a secure online platform
The content will be developed in collaboration with sleep expert Professor Jason Ellis, ensuring that all resources are grounded in the latest sleep science and practical expertise.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful to BMA Giving for recognising the importance of sleep and wellbeing within healthcare. This funding will allow us to expand our reach, develop innovative resources and support more healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.
As the project develops, we will share updates, resources and opportunities to get involved. We look forward to working alongside healthcare professionals, experts and partners to make a positive difference to sleep, wellbeing and ultimately patient care.
Thank you to BMA Giving for supporting this important work and helping us promote healthier sleep for the people who care for us all.
