What the Health: The Science of Sleep

Learn about the importance of sleep, how to improve sleep, and sleep's relation to your overall health.

Did you know that poor sleep (i.e., low quantity or quality) is a significant risk factor for several physical and psychological conditions, including cardiovascular disease and depression? While there is a growing understanding in society that sleep is important for your overall health, there are a number of important misconceptions about sleep. The goal of this program will be to address the facts and myths about sleep health and provide information about how you can take steps to improve your sleep. Topics covered will include: sleep need, your sleep environment, sleep disorders, interventions for sleep, and how to consult your health care provider about your sleep. 

Dr. Ivan Vargas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Arkansas. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program and the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and a PhD in Clinical Science from the University of Michigan. Dr. Vargas' research interests focus on the etiology and treatment of insomnia. For example, his research is currently supported by an NIH career development award funded by the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute. His work also includes a number of other projects that evaluate behavioral interventions for sleep (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia or CBT-I).

Jamie Walker is a Clinical Psychology PhD student under the mentorship of Dr. Ivan Vargas in the Sleep & Stress Research Lab at the University of Arkansas. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman’s University. Jamie’s research interests include exploring the relationships among various domains of sleep and health, with a focus on the mechanisms underlying the link between insomnia and chronic illness. Jamie has publications on the etiology, biopsychosocial correlates, and treatment of insomnia and has presented her sleep research at national and international conferences. Additionally, she currently implements insomnia treatment in her work as a research therapist and behavioral health consultant.

This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

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