Celebrating World Sleep Day

In today’s fast-paced world, people’s lifestyles have become increasingly busy and stressful due to factors such as longer working hours and increased commuting time. However, in recent years, the importance of getting good sleep has been emphasised to ensure consistent performance, and this has led to the rise in initiatives like World Sleep Day.

World Sleep Day is a yearly celebration of sleep and a call to action on significant sleep-related concerns, such as health care, education, social issues, and driving. Through the prevention and management of sleep disorders, World Sleep Day strives to minimise the burden of sleep difficulties on society.

As part of World Sleep Day 2023, UTAR Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing under the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of Sungai Long Campus organised a two-day webinar, featuring World Sleep Day 2023, on 18 and 19 March 2023 via Zoom. The webinar aimed to create awareness and raise the profile of sleep by spreading the word about its benefits.

The two-day webinar featured 10 renowned speakers; all of them were health professionals and advocates from around the world, who gathered to discuss sleep-related issues and promote healthy sleep habits. Overall, the participants included UTAR staff, and students from Malaysia, Kuwait, India and Indonesia.

On the first day of the webinar, Dr Tripat Singh from the Academy of Sleep Wake Science presented on Sleep- Foundation of Health; Prof Dr Ravi Yadav from The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences Bangalore (NIMHANS) presented on Sleep & Neurological Diseases; Mr Tarun Amalnerkar and Dr Thavamalar Paramasivam from UTAR M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences presented on Physiotherapy & Sleep, and Sleep & Yoga respectively; and Dr Himanshu Sharma from Swarnagiri Neuro Physiotherapy & Multispeciality Clinic, Kota Rajasthan India presented on Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Insomnia.

Clockwise from right: Prof Dr Ravi Yadav, Dr Thavamalar, Dr Himanshu Sharma, Mr Tarun and Dr Tripat Singh sharing valuable knowledge with participants

On the second day, Dr Sree Kala Kunju Raman Nair from Taylor’s University Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management presented on Embracing Mindfulness Sleep; Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail from Pusat Pakar Perubatan UiTM presented on Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Fang Kee Yee from Pusat Terapi Psikologi N&J presented on “Mindfulness: Can It Improve Your Sleep Quality?; Dr Ravi Gupta from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, India presented on Psychological  Perspectives & Sleep and Quak Hui Yin from Lembaga Kauselor Malaysia (LKM) presented on What’s keeping you up at night? - An invitation to reflect on our emotional wellbeing and sleep patterns.

 

Clockwise from right: Fang, Quak, Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin, Dr Sree Kala and Dr Ravi Gupta conducting interesting sessions with participants

Among the topics addressed by the speakers were the neuroanatomy and physiology of sleep; sleep-related corroborated endeavours— research; current trends promoting psychological well-being, mindfulness and physical health; the prevention and promotional perspective or methods of sleep issues, and awareness and knowledge towards sleep issues and their impact.

During the webinar, participants were taught to recognise the importance of sleep and how to address issues of sleep disorders. The speakers agreed that good sleep is paramount for life; it makes a huge difference in one’s personality. Moreover, it also keeps one away from diseases and disorders.

The two-day webinar ended with an interactive Q&A session to provide the participants with a better understanding of sleep issues.

Organising Chairperson Webinar World Sleep day 2023 Ms Navamani, Organising Vice Chairperson Mr Tarun, Emcee and moderator Dr. Avneet, Prof. Judson (Chairperson of Centre for Research on Non-Communicable Diseases) with participants in the webinar