Optimizing Sleep: Why It Matters, Featuring Dr. Ashley Mason, a Vail Health Learning Lab

Optimizing Sleep: Why It Matters, Featuring Dr. Ashley Mason

Vail Health Learning Lab: January 7, 2026

Join us for an in-depth exploration with Dr. Ashley Mason as she delves into the science and strategies behind better sleep. Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s restoration, and one of the most powerful tools we have to enhance the length and quality of our lives. However, many of us struggle to get the sleep we need, and even more are misled by myths that undermine our sleep.

In this engaging session, we’ll explore:

• What does science say about sleep’s role in health and behavioral health?
• What insomnia really is—and what it’s not
• The role of sleep regularity and how to improve it
• Common sleep myths you can let go of
• What you can do right now to start sleeping better
• Surprising habits that may be harming your sleep (even if they seem helpful)

You will leave with practical, science-backed strategies and tools you can implement right away to improve your sleep and overall well-being. Whether you are a restless sleeper or simply looking to optimize your sleep, this talk is for you.

A light supper will be served following the talk.

Thursday, January 7, 2026
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Donovan Pavilion
1600 S. Frontage Road West, Vail, CO 81657

Kindly RSVP by December 30, 2025. RSVPs are also accepted at Events@VailHealth.org or (970) 569-7766.

This event is presented in partnership with the Vail Symposium. The Learning Lab series is generously sponsored by Pat and Tony McMunn.

About Our Speaker

Dr. Ashley Mason

Ashley Mason, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of California, San Francisco. She is a faculty member at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences and the Osher Center for Integrative Health. While principally a researcher, she also practices as an integrative clinical psychologist in the arena of sleep treatment. She also serves as the Director of the UCSF Sleep, Eating, and Affect Laboratory and Co-Director of the UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study, and Treatment. Dr. Mason’s research interests include non-pharmacologic treatments for insomnia and depression, using wearable devices in the assessment of physiological correlates of mental health symptoms, interventions to promote firefighter health, and the utility of thermal therapies as mind-body treatments.