Why we don't sleep | Aisha Cortoos | TEDxUHasselt
In her insightful TEDx talk, Dr. Aisha Cortoos explores why we sometimes struggle to sleep and how our perceptions of what constitutes "good sleep" can actually disrupt it. By challenging common myths and encouraging simple shifts in habits and mindset, she reveals how we can transform our approach to rest and improve the quality of our sleep. Dr. Aisha Cortoos combines academic expertise with clinical practice as a psychologist and family therapist. She holds a master’s in Psychology (VUB, 2004), a PhD in Biological Psychology (VUB, 2009), and a postgraduate in systemic psychotherapy (IPRR, 2013). She was a postdoctoral fellow at the Royal Military Academy in the ‘Vital Signs and Performance’ department. With years of experience as a sleep psychologist at the University Hospital Brussel, she helped shape insomnia treatment in Belgium in collaboration with colleagues and BASS. Dr. Cortoos bridges the gap between science and practice, making complex concepts accessible. She currently works in private practice at Brainwise, as a scientific consultant for the RMA and VUB, and as a keynote speaker for Better Minds, guiding companies worldwide on wellbeing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 5:55Misinformation | Sonora Sharma | TEDxDiscovery College YouthMisinformation might start as a rumour, a joke, or even a simple mistake—but its impact can be huge. In this powerful TEDx talk, Sonora Sharma breaks down the real-life effects of false information, from school gossip to online posts. Through relatable stories and a clear call to action, she shows us the roles we all play as victims, bystanders, or even unintentional spreaders—and why speaking up against misinformation matters more than ever.#TEDxYouth #Misinformation #GossipCulture #FakeNews #DigitalResponsibility #StudentVoices #ThinkBeforeYouShare #KindnessMatters #TruthAndImpact hiii! my name is sonora and i am doing this ted talk because i wanted to try something new (yep). I love drawing and i like talking - just talking in general. but i have also seen and heard misinformation throughout my life - inside and outside school. so i want people to be aware about this problem and what it really is :] This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:33The Paradox of Connection | Mahirr Uppaal | TEDxDiscovery College YouthIn this powerful and reflective TEDx talk, the speaker dives into one of the most pressing issues of our generation: why, despite being more digitally connected than ever, so many of us feel more isolated, anxious, and unsure of ourselves. From the effects of social media and overstimulation to the erosion of deep human connection, this talk challenges us to rethink how we build relationships—and with whom. With honest insight and practical ideas, it’s a call to reconnect with ourselves, strengthen our confidence, and bring more meaning back into our interactions.#TEDxYouth #Loneliness #SocialMediaEffects #MentalHealth #SelfConfidence #DigitalAge #StudentVoices #ConnectionCrisis #BeYourself #LifeOffline I am a Y11 student who is interested in sports. I am also interested in how people act as a result of their surroundings which resonates with my topic upon how social media has paradoxically caused people to become less connected and more lonely on average This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:01The art of saying no without guilt | Gloria An | TEDxDiscovery College YouthThe Art of Saying No (Without Feeling Guilty)Why is it so hard to say no—even when we want to? In this empowering TEDx talk, a student explores the social pressure behind always saying yes and why learning to say no is one of the most important life skills we can develop. Through a personal story, practical tips, and relatable scenarios, this talk offers a step-by-step guide to setting boundaries, prioritizing what matters, and finding your voice without guilt. Because every “no” to others can be a “yes” to yourself.#SayNo #TEDxYouth #BoundariesMatter #SelfRespect #StudentTalks #ConfidenceBuilding #PrioritizeYourself #ThePowerOfNo Hello everyone, I am Gloria and I am 12 years old in Year 7. The reason why I wanted to do this is because I needed to improve better on communicating in public. I love singing, dancing, playing sports, and playing the drums This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:07The Art of Moving Forward: More Than a Destination | Selene Ng | TEDxDiscovery College YouthWhat does it really mean to move forward? In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, we explore the deeper meaning of progress—through the lens of the Hero’s Journey, cultural wisdom, and moments in history that redefined what growth truly looks like. From personal reflection to global shifts, this talk challenges the idea that success is about reaching a finish line. Instead, it invites us to see progress as a journey shaped by resilience, values, and the legacy we leave behind.#TEDxYouth #MovingForward #HeroJourney #Progress #CulturalWisdom #SustainableFuture #StudentTalks #TheArtOfProgress #JourneyNotDestination Hello! I'm Selene, and I have always personally related to this topic, and I strongly believe that by delivering this TED Talk, I can educate others on the true art of moving forward and how that has changed throughout the years. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 6:36The most difficult thing in life | Brianna Lau | TEDxDiscovery College YouthWhat if your biggest challenge isn’t the world around you—but the little voice inside your head? In this deeply relatable and moving TEDx talk, the speaker explores the invisible power of our inner voice—the constant thoughts that shape our actions, emotions, and identity. With humour, honesty, and practical advice, this talk shows how self-talk can either lift us up or break us down—and how we can take control of it to live with more confidence, kindness, and clarity. #TEDxYouth #InnerVoice #MentalHealth #SelfTalk #MindsetMatters #Confidence #SelfCompassion #Motivation #StudentVoices #TheLittlePersonInYourHead Did you ever hear voices in your head talking to you? Sometimes, your decisions depend on what your little person inside you brain tells you. Hi, I am Brianna, and I am excited to share with all about my topic on perspectives and how to change your negative conscience thoughts. I would say life is like collecting beautiful rocks, sometimes you need to throw away the "not- so beautiful rocks" or to re-shape them. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:14How I built my first NFT | Prisha Daga | TEDxDiscovery College YouthNFTs & The New Canvas: How Digital Art is Changing ForeverWhat if the future of fine art isn’t framed in a gallery—but secured on a blockchain? In this inspiring and insightful TEDx talk, Prisha unpacks how NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are transforming the art world—empowering digital artists, redefining ownership, and creating a new kind of creative economy. From the basics of blockchain to her own experience minting an NFT, Prisha explores how code and creativity collide—and why the future of art might already be here.#NFTs #DigitalArt #TEDxYouth #Blockchain #NFTArtist #FutureOfArt #CryptoArt #StudentTalks #Web3Art #MintingCreativity Hello, my name is Prisha, and I am passionate about sharing my experience creating a Non Fungible Token. I wish to share what an NFT is, does, and what our future may look like. In my opinion, I think that learning about the future is something to benefit from, which is why I want to share this in my TEDx Talk. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx