[ MainPage, Hutchison, Gander, ]

Abstracts

TITLE: The Value of Science to NZ and National's Plans for Science

BY: Dr Paul Hutchison

ABSTRACT:

Dr Hutchison, formerly a medical specialist, has been invited to give his views on the value of science to the economy and well-being of New Zealanders and to discuss science policy in New Zealand and the National Party's plans for science. He is a passionate advocate of science in New Zealand and will discuss his involvement with the current science funding schemes involving CRI’s, the tertiary sector and the private sector. He will discuss changes he would like to see implemented in the funding of scientific research.

 

TITLE: Sleep Problems: Who Has Them and Why it Matters

BY: Professor Philippa Gander

ABSTRACT:

Sleep is vital for restoring brain function, and for maintaining our level of waking performance and alertness. Inadequate sleep is a well-documented occupational safety and driving hazard. Recent research has confirmed that even several nights of restricted sleep can significantly impact the health of young adults, This has lead to concerns that inadequate sleep may facilitate the development of chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

After introducing concepts in sleep physiology the talk will focus on recent national surveys of the sleep health of New Zealanders. These studies confirm that sleep problems are a major public health issue, and that they have far-reaching consequences for health, safety, and quality of life. Sleep medicine is in its infancy in New Zealand and there are significant challenges in reducing the burden of sleep problems.

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RSNZ Manawatu Branch / E.Todd@massey.ac.nz / revised 30 March, 2004 .