Getting a good night’s sleep – health seminar

Sleep is essential for both our brain and our body. During sleep, the brain removes toxins, consolidates memories, and forms new pathways that support learning, clear thinking, decision-making and creativity. Meanwhile, the body rests and repairs itself by slowing heart rate and blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, and regulating metabolism and hormones.

Many of us are increasingly focused on achieving the “perfect” night’s sleep, using apps and trackers to monitor our rest. But why is sleep so important for our health? Do we really need eight hours a night? And what practical steps can we take to improve our sleep?

Dr Alanna Hare, consultant in sleep medicine at Royal Brompton Hospital, and Dr Johan Meurling, consultant in sleep medicine, will discuss:

• common sleep problems from the perspective of a national sleep referral centre
• the relationship between sleep, health and wellbeing, and how to improve sleep
• how sleep disorders are recognised, diagnosed and treated
• national work to improve sleep services and access to sleep medicine