Free Community Seminar: Exercise for Better Sleep

Refreshments and Drinks at 6:00pm. Seminar starts promptly at 6:30pm.

Humans spend approximately 25-30% of their lives sleeping. Compared to waking hours, sleep is often considered a quiescent behavior. However, recent studies show that the newly discovered glymphatic system (a “pseudo-lymphatic” network distributed throughout the brain) is activated during sleep and is responsible for replenishing and cleansing the brain. Thus, quality sleep plays an essential role in overall brain health and sense of well-being. However, altered sleep duration and increased sleep fragmentation are common, particularly in older adults. The most frequent sleep disorders include difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep. Frequently, adults are more likely to be prescribed medication for insomnia treatment as well as other sleep disturbances. This workshop will review the scientific studies that reveal how regular physical activity is pivotal in enhancing sleep quality. Consistent exercise promotes better sleep patterns and overall sleep quality. Physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, both known culprits of sleep disturbances, while also regulating the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at desired times.

Presented by Jim Hicks, PhD
James Hicks, PhD is a cardiopulmonary physiologist and former Director of the Exercise Medicine and Sports Science Center at UC Irvine. Dr. Hicks received his PhD in biomedical sciences from the School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, and postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Germany, and UCSD. He has been a Professor at UC Irvine for 32 years.

Registration

Space is limited! Please register below to confirm your spot. Registration will only be open until event is full. If you have friends or family that would like to attend as well, please have them complete this registration form.