Friday Forum Encore:  Sleep and Circadian Processes-Identifying Disruptions and Resilience Strategies

This program will be held virtually via Zoom. Details with instruction on how to view the webinar will be sent to all registrants the day before the program (11/9).

Program: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. This session is at the intermediate level and is designed for psychologists and other mental health professionals.

Friday Forums are cosponsored with the Metropolitan State University Psychology Department.

About the Program:
This virtual webinar will cover the basic facets of sleep and circadian physiology, sleep architecture and their central role in well-being and daily adaptation to life. These processes are wedded together and repeat their cycles approximately q. 24 hrs. The concept of chronobiologic inflection points in the 24-hour period as potential sources of information in predicting individual behavior will be addressed. In a 24/7/365 world of commerce and social exchange, along with excessive e-device exposure, disruptions in sleep and body clock processes are inevitable, and result in increased likelihood of diminished daytime alertness, inattentiveness, compromises in working memory, inflammatory responses, deficits in social-emotional regulation, substance use, and mood disturbance. In turn, prolonged sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment raise the risk of lapses in judgment and deficient reaction time while in the course of operating dangerous machinery. Drowsy driving is a significant public health problem, which unfortunately can be compounded by those individuals who drive under the influence of substances. Also, the risk of suicide increases, particularly when one is awake at a time when the intrinsic body clocks are signaling deep sleep. Persistent sleep debt among health care workers leads to more medication dispensing errors, mental health challenges and perhaps reduced vigilance in critical care environments. Strategies for resilience and restoration of sleep and body clock synchrony with daily behavior patterns have strong empirical support and include sleep hygiene best practices, cognitive-behavior and brief behavioral therapy (BBT) for insomnia (in person and virtual), behavior programs for new parents, and self-monitoring through the use of wearable technology. Societal myths about sleep deprivation being a badge of honor have been waning in popularity and are being replaced by strong messaging about the pivotal importance of sufficient sleep in maintaining mental and physical wellness. Hypothetical case examples will be presented to illustrate evidence-based multi-disciplinary interventions for basic Insomnia and hypersomnolence. Local resources for sleep therapy are provided. Participants are encouraged to seek additional training and skills in providing behavioral sleep medicine treatment, as the need is overwhelming and growing by the day.

This program qualifies for 3.0 continuing education credits. Attendees must attend entire session to gain credit. Registration fee includes access to live webinar, program agenda, program PowerPoint, and continuing education certificate.
The speakers have indicated no conflicts of interest to report.

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain the physiological model of sleep and body clocks.
2. Recognize basic sleep architecture.
3. Highlight the role of internal clocks in governing daily activities of life.
4. Identify neurocognitive decrements and safety risks associated with sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment.
5. Identify sleep issues common in adolescents, Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, PTSD and Psychotic Disorders.
6. Describe resilience countermeasures to address sleep debt, circadian disruption, and mitigate common Insomnia and Hypersomnolence.

About the Presenter:
Michael V. DeSanctis, Ph.D, LP, ABPP, DBSM, has over 45 years of experience in the mental health field and is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Dr. DeSanctis received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology/Neuroscience from Texas Tech University. His company, Positive Sleep Journeys, PLLC, is involved in disseminating key concepts of behavioral sleep health to caregivers, providers and the general public. He is a published author, accomplished speaker, teacher and retired clinician and passionate about increasing the number of psychologists and mental health professionals who apply behavioral sleep health skills in their daily practice. Dr. DeSanctis is a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology in Counseling Psychology, a Diplomate of the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine and is Certified in Behavior Sleep Medicine. A member of the National Register of Health Psychology Providers, Dr. DeSanctis is active in the community speaking on topics related to physical environmental threats to mental well-being and sleep.

The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:  If you need disability related accommodations to make this event accessible, please contact the Metropolitan State University Center for Accessibility Resources, 651-793-1549, or [email protected].