NIH Launches Science of Sleep Facebook Live Series Starting August 10

Key topics include the rise of sleep deprivation among teenagers, sex-based differences in sleep disorders—particularly in recognizing and diagnosing sleep apnea in women, sleep-related health disparities, and lifelong sleep habits that promote healthy aging.

Dr. Marishka K. Brown, the director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research within the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), will cohost the series alongside researchers from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

The schedule for the series is as follows:

- August 10: Science of Sleep and Teens (NICHD Facebook feed)

- August 17: Science of Sleep and Adults (NHLBI Facebook feed)

- August 24: Science of Sleep and Older Adults (NIA Facebook feed)

Participants can follow #ScienceofSleep for updates and engage in the discussions. While pre-registration is not required, participants are encouraged to RSVP on Facebook for reminders. A Facebook account is not necessary to join.

The series aims to help teens and adults adapt their sleep patterns as they return to in-person schooling and work. Researchers will outline the crucial role sleep plays at different life stages and share general tips for improving sleep quality. Recommendations will include establishing a consistent bedtime routine, committing to sufficient sleep durations tailored to age groups, maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle, getting outdoor exposure to natural light, and tracking sleep habits to report to health professionals if issues arise.

Currently, it is estimated that about one-third of Americans do not achieve enough uninterrupted sleep, and between 50 to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Early intervention and treatment are vital for preventing complications, including irregular heart rhythms and long-term cardiovascular risks.