Dear Colleagues,
It is with great honor and sincere enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 2025–2028 term of the Asian Sleep Research Society (ASRS). ASRS terms span three years, providing us with a valuable window to implement long-term strategies, strengthen partnerships, and leave a lasting impact on the field of sleep science.
ASRS is one of the most vital scientific societies in this new world—not only because it spans a vast and diverse geographical region, but also because it tackles one of the most essential physiological processes: sleep. Our region represents more than half of the world’s population, encompassing extraordinary cultural, genetic, environmental, and socio-economic diversity. This positions us uniquely to both lead and learn in the emerging science of sleep and its role in health and well-being.
Since its founding in 1994 in Tokyo, Japan, the ASRS has been committed to promoting scientific progress and regional cooperation. Over the years, we have convened ten major congresses across Asia and beyond—in Japan, Israel, Thailand, China, Korea, Taiwan, India, and Turkey — each reflecting the rich tapestry of our scientific and cultural landscape. These congresses have helped build a strong foundation for collaboration, education, and advancement of sleep research in the region.
Today, humanity is undergoing major transitions—social, environmental, and technological. While some of these changes signify progress, others challenge the natural biological rhythms of Homo sapiens. Urbanization, industrial pressures, economic inequality, and digitalization are contributing to environments that test the limits of our functional capacity. Long work hours, shift work, and lifestyle stressors across our region are producing “artificial jet-lags” and chronic fatigue that strain both individuals and health systems.
Sleep is increasingly disrupted by light pollution, environmental toxins such as microplastics, and limited access to clean air, nutritious food, and mental health support. Understanding the complex interaction of these factors requires collaboration across disciplines—from neuroscience and chronobiology to epidemiology, psychology, engineering, and the social sciences.
In this new term, ASRS will focus on three strategic pillars:
- Scientific Collaboration – We aim to strengthen international and interdisciplinary research by fostering joint studies, data sharing, and collaborations with neighboring associations from the Asia and MENA regions.
- Capacity Building & Education – By leveraging advances in digital technologies, we will expand online education, webinars, and hybrid training programs, especially for young scientists and future sleep professionals.
- Policy & Advocacy – We will work closely with industry, health policy makers, and NGOs to align our work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of good health and well-being, work-life balance, and healthy cities.
But we cannot do this alone.
We invite new national, regional, or thematic sleep research and clinical societies—especially those from underrepresented parts of Asia and the MENA region—to join ASRS as institutional members. Together, we can amplify our collective voice, reach broader populations, and translate sleep science into action.
This is a shared journey, one driven by your personal engagement, your collaboration with colleagues, and your effort in connecting us to new partners and communities.
Let’s work together to advance sleep science, not just as researchers—but as guardians of human well-being in a world that never sleeps.
With warm regards,
Murat Ozgoren