UGCCD WEBINAR!!!

BRIEF REPORT ON UGCCD WEBINAR: “THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF BETTER SLEEP”

The Careers and Counselling Directorate (CCD) of the University of Ghana organized a webinar on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM via Microsoft Teams. The session was titled “The Science of Sleep: Unlocking the Secrets of Better Sleep” and featured a presentation by Mr. Samuel G. Panti, a Clinical Health Psychologist and member of the Ghana Psychological Association.

The virtual event attracted over 120 students and staff. Mr. Panti delivered a compelling and informative talk that explored the role of sleep in supporting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. He emphasized that sleep is not merely a passive activity but a vital process that affects nearly every system in the body.

A key part of the presentation focused on the sleep cycle, particularly the alternating phases of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and Non-REM sleep, and how they change over the course of the night. Mr. Panti explained how different sleep stages contribute to various functions such as memory consolidation, muscle repair, emotional regulation, and hormonal balance. He also addressed the importance of maintaining consistent sleep patterns, highlighting that disruptions to these patterns through irregular schedules, prolonged screen time, stress, or lifestyle habits can significantly affect both the quantity and quality of sleep.

Participants also gained insight into practical strategies for improving sleep hygiene. These included adopting a regular sleep-wake schedule, creating a comfortable and quiet sleep environment, limiting caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime, and establishing wind-down routines to signal the body for rest. In addition, Mr. Panti explored the long-term health benefits of quality sleep. These include improved mental health, sharper memory, healthier skin and hair, rapid muscle recovery, reduced risks of high or low blood pressure, lower chances of developing diabetes, reduced stress levels, fewer headaches, and a stronger immune system.

The webinar proved to be highly engaging and impactful. The question-and-answer segment at the end allowed students and staff to seek clarification and share their personal experiences, making the discussion both interactive and relatable. The session deepened awareness about the importance of sleep and provided participants with the knowledge and tools to make meaningful lifestyle changes.

In summary, the UGCCD webinar on sleep was a successful and enriching event that underscored the need to treat sleep as a core component of wellness. The Careers and Counselling Directorate continues to affirm its dedication to promoting holistic student development by organizing such impactful programs that bridge the gap between education, mental health, and overall well-being.