Lecture by Roselyne Rijsman

Sleep is a fascinating theme in art depicted in a variety of ways and proves to be a rich subject for artistic expression. Before admiring the "Sleep!" exhibit, Dr. Roselyne Rijsman, neurologist-somnologist with over 25 years of experience in sleep medicine, will share some in-depth background on normal and some sleep and wake disorders.

Sleep is a fundamental biological process that is essential for many processes in the bodies of humans and animals. Sleep is essential for recovery, learning, performance, good memory, mental flexibility, waste disposal in the brain and good immunity, among other things. Contrary to what one might intuitively assume, the transition from wake to sleep and the maintenance of the sleep state is not simply the result of turning off the wake processes. It is a very active and a very ingeniously advanced brain process. At the time of sleep, we also see in the brain activity a very structured architecture of brain activity which is characterized by different sleep stages and cycles. Good sleep does not depend only on an independent brain process. Many environmental factors, behavior, mental factors and other physical conditions affect the quality and duration of sleep and thus also the quality of wake periods. If these are not in balance, it can lead to insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, biological clock disturbances, sleep leaks, among others. During the lecture you will be taken into the world of somnology (sleep knowledge).  

When: Sunday, October 20 
Time: 11.00 – 12.00 
Location: Kunsthal KAdE (Eemzaal) 
Costs: €5 (excluding entrance ticket).