Sleep as a topic, alongside its impact on people’s well-being and personal productivity, is one of the most widely discussed topics in the modern age now with all the catchy, vivid, screaming million things that call for our attention on a daily basis. What do the experts say about sleep? To what extent does it affect well-being? And what are habits that can develop to improve sleep?
Prof. Sean Drummond is a professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Director of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Program Area at the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University. He is also a past President of the Sleep Research Society.
Prof. Sean’s research focus falls into 3 main areas: 1) The impact of sleep and sleep loss on brain function and cognition; 2) Behavioral treatment of insomnia; and 3) Studies examining the role of sleep in the development, maintenance, and treatment of mental health conditions, especially PTSD. Clinically, he specializes in the treatment of insomnia.
In this episode hosted by Aditi Kutty, Professor Sean Drummond peeled back the layers of sleep, revealing that it’s far more than just a state of unconsciousness. Sleep actually has two distinct sides: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep, with each further divided into three stages. Talk about a fascinating sleep symphony!
Moreover, Prof. Sean emphasized the crucial significance of sleep in individual growth. He described sleep as one of the fundamental cornerstones of health, alongside nutrition and exercise. In his view, one could even argue that sleep surpasses the other two pillars in importance, as it directly impacts the capacity to participate in and derive benefits from physical activity, and it also affects the ability to effectively process and gain advantages from the provided nutrients to the body.
Prof. Sean shed light on this common sleep disorder that haunts countless individuals. You will discover that insomnia isn’t just about trouble falling asleep. Prof. Sean talked about its negative impacts as well. Think memory problems, concentration challenges, emotional roller coasters, and productivity taking a nosedive.
Furthermore, Prof. Sean emphasized that quantity and quality aspects matter when it comes to sleep. Adults typically need around seven hours of actual sleep to keep their minds and bodies happy campers. So, setting up a regular sleep routine and avoiding sleep-sabotaging behaviors are essential.
Near the end of this enlightening episode, Prof. Sean painted a vivid picture of the intricate relationship between sleep, personal development, and mental health. It’s clear that sleep holds the key to unlocking true potential and leading fulfilling lives.
As the world goes faster, people are encouraged to do so as well. No matter how temptations increase to sacrifice sleep for other modern-life demanding aspects, it’s very vital to remind yourself that sleep is the pillar on which true potential and satisfaction stand.
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