A person's quality and duration of sleep impact many areas of health and wellness. In addition to the impact an individual’s sleep can have on him/ her, it is important to examine how the sleep of others in a family affects each other. Participants will gain a better understanding of infant, child, adolescent, pregnancy, and adult sleep. In my work, I often say, “sleep is never just about sleep”. When someone says, “my child isn’t sleeping”, or “I am not sleeping”, that is just the tip of the iceberg. In this presentation we will explore what is under the iceberg, including but not limited to: sleep biology, the physical environment, stress management, nutrition, fitness and activity, mental and emotional wellbeing. This presentation will include special focus on the current COVID-19 pandemic and how this situation of social isolation, stressful dynamics, possible traumatic experiences, and drastic change in our schedules is likely impacting the sleep of us all. If you, or a member of your family, is having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or is experiencing nightmares or night terrors, then this webinar is for you.
Bio:
Teresa Stewart, MS, MPH is a child development specialist, sleep consultant, and health educator. She has 20 years experience educating, supporting, and empowering parents from pregnancy through their child's adolescence. She holds a MS in Child Development, a MPH in maternal/ child health, and post-graduate certificates in adolescent sleep medicine, trauma-informed care, and postpartum depression and anxiety. Teresa is a frequent presenter at national conferences; and provides workshops for health care professionals and childcare providers, in addition to parents. She is a proud resident of Norwood; and serves on the school committee, as a steering committee member of Impact Norwood, and as a coalition member of Minds Matter. She is sharing her expertise with our town during this public health crisis to help us all sleep a little better.