Practising good sleep
for the sake of health and well-being
(photo retrieved from online resource)
Sleep is vital for health and well-being. A good sleep could give us a
better concentration and a stronger immune system. However, due to our
current hectic lifestyles, some of us tend to always neglect and push it
aside. Understanding its importance, UTAR
Department of Student Affairs of Sungai Long Campus’ Counselling and
Guidance Unit (CGU) organised a workshop titled “Art of Sleeping” on 22 May
2020 via Microsoft Teams.
The workshop aimed to help the participants increase awareness and knowledge
of the importance of sleep and the impact of sleep on our lives. It also
aimed to help the participants master the technique of improving the quality
of sleep and understand how physiotherapy may help them.
Invited to be the speaker was Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS)
Department of Physiotherapy Lecturer Tarun Amalnerkar. Tarun Amalnerkar
completed his Master’s in Physiotherapy (Neurology) from India. He wrote
articles for health magazines and newspaper. On top of that, he also
presents at conferences, gives talks at seminars and conducts researches and
workshops on the topics of neurological disease disorders, sleep medicine
and humanity and Men's health.
Tarun Amalnerkar
explaining issues pertaining to sleep
According to Tarun Amalnerkar, “Poor sleep may be associated with an
un-fresh, un-comfortable feeling. A system known as “Glymphatic system”
works mainly during sleep and is largely disengaged during wakefulness, it
also assists to take out the possibly neurotoxic waste products etc.
(Jessesn NA etal 2015). Researches also shows that, sleep disorders may be
associated with stroke (Dae Lim Koo etal 2018). Few studies have shown that
specific intensity exercise may improve the quality of sleep (Passos et al,
2010). The timing of exercise is also important.”
Meanwhile, a practical session on Jacobson Progressive Relaxation Method and
some breathing exercises were demonstrated by Tarun Amalnerkar.
According to the World Sleep Society, it is important for us to schedule a
regular bedtime and waking time. Create a caffeine cut-off time, adjust to a
healthier lifestyle, watch your workout routine and bedtime snacks. On top
of that, we should also block out all the distracting noises and eliminate
the lights as much as possible to enhance our sleep and wellness.
An
interactive Q&A session was conducted by Tarun Amalnerkar to provide
participants with a better understanding on sleep issues. “A healthy sleep
could restore and energise a person; it helps one to feel dynamic and
energetic all day long. Good quality sleep is multifactorial. Average sleep
duration for an adult is about seven to eight hours, however it may be
affected relatively as we grow old,” said Tarun Amalnerkar.
He
continued, “A good sleep is paramount for life. A good quality sleep can
make a huge difference in your personality, you may feel fresh and more
enthusiastic. At the same time, it may prevent you from a number of diseases
and disorders as well.”
The workshop then ended with an interactive Q&A session. It saw the
participation of more than 200 people.
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