UTAR hosts insightful international webinar on World Sleep Day 2024

Group photo session among participants, speakers and organising team

In a bid to shed light on the importance of quality sleep and promote healthy sleep habits, the Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing under the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus recently organised a two-day international webinar on 16 and 17 March 2024 via Zoom. Held in conjunction with World Sleep Day 2024, the event aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of sleep while addressing various sleep-related issues.

The webinar featured a lineup of esteemed speakers comprising health professionals and advocates from around the globe. Over the course of two days, participants were treated to insightful discussions and presentations on a wide range of topics related to sleep health.

On the first day of the webinar, attendees had the privilege of hearing from distinguished speakers such as the Senior Professor of Neurophysiology and Dean of Basic Sciences at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Sr Prof Dr Bindu M. Kutty. Dr Kutty delved into the neurophysiology of sleep, offering valuable insights into the science behind our sleep patterns.

Other notable speakers included Ms Ho Wing Yan, Infant and Child Sleep Consultant from Precious Sleep, who unravelled the mysteries of baby sleep, and Assoc Prof Dr Lee Poh Foong from Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, who discussed sleeping brainwaves. Additionally, Certified Trainer Mr Brien Lee shared the best practices for better sleep hygiene, rounding out the day’s lineup with practical tips for improving sleep quality.

The second day of the webinar continued with other enlightening discourses by M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Science (MK FMHS) Head of Programme for Master of Medical Science (Public Health) Prof Dr S. M. Retneswari, who presented on The Sleep-Stress Connection: Enhancing Mental Well-Being at Work, and Sunway Medical Centre Velocity Consultant Respiratory and Internal Medicine Physician Dr Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa, who shared on Sleep-Disordered Breathing. The session continued with Registered Counsellor Mr Ong Chia Shen, who explained the role of counselling in promoting healthy sleep habits and MK FMHS Mr Tarun Amalnerkar, who shared the overview of sleep disorders among the elderly.

The participants gained valuable insights into the complex interplay between sleep and various aspects of mental and physical health. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session facilitated by MK FMHS Dr Avneet Kaur, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and seek further clarification on sleep-related issues for both days.

The two-day webinar served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange, highlighting the importance of prioritising sleep for overall health and well-being. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, UTAR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting holistic wellness among its students and the wider community.

Behind the scenes, the success of the webinar was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the organising committee, Chairperson Mr Tarun, Vice-Chairperson Ms Navamani, and Technical Managers Ms Lim Zhi Qing and Ms Yap Yong Yun.

Clockwise, from top left: Dr Avneet, Prof Retneswari, Mr Tarun, Ms Ho and Prof Bindu during the Q&A session

Clockwise, top right: Mr Brien, Mr Ong, Dr Nurul Yaqeen and Dr Lee during their presentation