Getting a good night’s sleep can sometimes feel like a luxury, but research shows it is essential for healthy aging and overall wellness.
On Wednesday, October 8, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., community members are invited to attend an eye-opening free seminar, Catching Some ZZZs: Why Sleep Matters, at the Metro Technology Centers Business Conference Center, 1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City.
The featured presenter, Dr. Linda M. Shell, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing, education, and leadership to the conversation. Dr. Shell has dedicated her career to advancing quality care for older adults, with a professional background spanning long-term and post-acute care.
She served 17 years with Volunteers of America in leadership and educational roles, earning the prestigious Transformational Leadership Award for her contributions. In 2017, she launched her own consulting practice, serving as a leadership expert and clinical care educator for senior organizations nationwide.
With her blend of clinical expertise and engaging teaching style, Dr. Shell will explore how both the quality and quantity of sleep directly influence health. “How did you sleep last night? Were you rested or still tired when you woke up?” she asks. For many, the answer points to problems that worsen with age.
As individuals grow older, a variety of factors, such as pain, medication, anxiety, and lifestyle habits, can interfere with nighttime sleep. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, reduced immune function, increased pain, and even greater risks of anxiety and depression. While naps may seem like a quick fix, Dr. Shell warns that daytime napping can often make matters worse by disrupting nighttime rest.
The seminar will highlight the science of sleep, why uninterrupted nighttime rest is critical for long-term health, and the specific lifestyle changes that can make a difference. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies they can put into practice immediately to improve their sleep quality.
For anyone struggling with restless nights, or simply curious about how sleep impacts aging, this seminar offers valuable insights and actionable steps toward better health. This event is open to the public. Registration is open at https://villagesokc.org/positive-aging, or by calling (405) 990-6637.