Sleep and Learning
Sleep is a crucial component of academic success, mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. The Study Skills Academy recognizes the impact of sleep on the learning process. Below are resources on the topic of sleep in addition to information about our yearly Sleep Week event.
Sleep Week is a university-wide effort bringing awareness to the importance of sleep through educational activities and events. Our 2023 Sleep Week kicks off Monday, March 6 and runs through Friday, March 10. Check out Sleep Week 2023 events and Zoom links below.
Monday, March 6
*Virtual* Winding Down With Mindful Meditation (11am-12pm)
Students and staff will learn about and practice mindfulness skills and engage in meditation practice that aids in calming the nervous system and addressing a busy mind, which can be helpful before winding down before bedtime.
*Virtual* Your Brain on Sleep (12:30pm-1pm)
This session will highlight how sleep impacts not only the brain, but various aspects of day-to-day life. Attendees will leave armed with research-backed information and strategies that can be customized to their sleep goals.
Sleep Momentum: Little Changes to improve your sleep (2pm-3pm)
Are you a night owl who struggles to get to sleep? Is waking up early even harder? Attend this interactive workshop, facilitated by PAL Program Coordinator, Courtney Mansor, and PAL Nursing Tutor, Jenna Milward, to explore the little actionable changes you can take that will help tackle these problems and improve your sleep! Session will be held in the PAL Tutoring Area, 2nd Floor of the UGL.
Sleep Trivia: Do you know how important sleep is? (3pm-4pm)
Join us for an afternoon of sleep trivia. This event will be facilitated by Nu Rho Psi National Honor Society. ---Trivia will be held in the Student Center (Hilberry D).
Relaxation Station (5:00pm-6:30pm)
Looking for a quiet space to take a quick nap on campus? If so, head over to Student Disability Services (1600 UGL) and a private room will be provided. Time limit is 30-35 minutes per person. Feel free to bring a blanket or cover.
Tuesday, March 7
*Virtual* Midday Yoga Nidra (12PM-12:30PM)
Re-center your mindset by joining Angela Zanardelli, Associate Director of Study Skills Academy, for a midday yoga Nidra session. You'll leave with a greater sense of balance to take on the rest of your day. Props needed--mat or surface to lay flat, blanket (optional) and pillow or bolster for head and behind knees (optional)
*Virtual* The Power of Napping (1PM-1:30PM)
Many people think napping is an effective way to relax and recharge, while others think napping is unhelpful and disruptive to their sleep. There are many factors that can impact how helpful naps can be. Understanding the role of napping can teach you how to take effective naps that support your body's internal clock and maintain your energy level throughout the day. Attend this 30 minute presentation and learn the importance of napping and how to do it effectively.
Relaxation Station: Tea-Time Tunes (12:30PM-2pm)
Looking for a quiet space on campus? Join us for coloring and enjoy some warm tea while listening to relaxing tunes. Academic Success Center--1600 UGL.
*Virtual* Evening Yoga Nidra (8:30pm-9pm)
Wind down your day with a 30-minute, minimal movement yoga Nidra practice. Yoga Nidra promotes deep rest and relaxation by exploring stages of consciousness using body scan and breath awareness. This activity will be facilitated by Angela Zanardelli, Associate Director, Study Skills Academy. RSVP to receive preparation instructions before the event.
Wednesday, March 8
What to Eat and When to Eat it for a Good Night's Rest (11:30am-12:30pm)
Attend this interactive workshop designed to highlight the role that food plays in promoting a good night's rest. You'll be surprised to learn just how much of what you eat can affect the quality and quantity of your sleep. This workshop will be facilitated in the Academic Success Center--1600 UGL-- by Kalyn Griffin, Study Skills Specialist with the Study Skills Academy
Thursday, March 9
*Virtual* Stress and the Power of Rest, How to REALLY Engage in Self-Care (5:30pm-6:30pm)
Come and learn about various types of self-care, how important allowing oneself space to rest is, and the advantages to allowing yourself space for mental and physical wellness. You will have a chance to discuss practices you currently use, while reflecting on how to incorporate self-care into your day-to-day life.
Friday, March 10
*Virtual* Stop Sleep walking through life when it comes to sleep disorders (11am-12pm)
Adequate sleep is a vital requirement for maintaining optimal physical and mental health. Without enough sleep, our bodies and minds cannot function at their best which can lead to negative outcomes. Unfortunately, individuals who suffer from sleep disorders deal with this on a daily basis. Learn about common sleep disorders that are affecting most people today and acquire knowledge on strategies that can improve sleep health.
Sleep Week Movie Party! 4pm-5pm (CANCELLED)
Location: Hilberry D Student Center
Have you ever wondered how long you can last without sleep? Why do you even need to sleep? What happens in your brain when you sleep?
Join us for a popcorn-fueled movie night to view some short films that answer these questions and talk about the importance of sleep. Can you wear your jammies? Of course! Plus a special animated short film "Dream Tapir" will be shown as well.
Movie Night will be facilitated by Nu Rho Psi National Honor Society and University Libraries.
Check out recordings from a few Sleep Week 2022 sessions below.
What are Wayne State University students saying about sleep?
Resources:
Sleep Health Topics-National Sleep Foundation
Sleep Information Sheet - 04 - Sleep Hygiene new (health.wa.gov.au)
Napping Effectively-Sleep Foundation
Books to check out: Please click on each book cover below to learn more about the book.
The National Sleep Foundation hosts an annual Sleep Awareness Week each March. Be sure to check out their website and plan to attend their events.
On behalf of the Study Skills Academy and Wayne State University Partners, we wish you a happy Sleep Week and a good night's rest 52 weeks a year.