Outline of Informative Speech Sexomnia – By: Nicole Kaspar 2004 AGD – A story of a bouncer who experienced sexomnia and after visiting his doctor discovers he has the condition. Transition – Now, falling asleep after sex is common, but during sex? Apparently it’s not that unusual at all -it’s called ‘sexomnia’. Significance ‘Dr. David Saul Rosenberg on Kaiser Permanente Medical Center’s Sleep Clinic’s website: ‘I’ve had a number of patients who realized that a lot of their lovemaking was occurring while they were unconscious. One patient’s girlfriend noticed while they were making love that he was snoring.’ ‘Sleepsex: Uncovered by: Dr. Michael Mangan – two and a half million Americans have reported experience with sexomnia and many instances of sleepsex go unreported because people are afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to discuss the problem. ‘Dr. Mark Mahowald on Fox News, on October 30th, 2003: ‘You can be assured that it’s much more common than people think. Nobody talks about it…it’s not the sort of thing you bring up at the neighborhood cocktail party.’ Preview – Fortunately, an academic setting such as this is not a cocktail party and we need to know more about this little known condition so let’s first, open our eyes to the physiological factors of sleepsex, second, pull the covers off of the different types of sleepsex, and finally, expose its legal implications. Body I. Physiological Factors ‘May, 2003, press release from the Stanford University Medical Center: Sexomnia is caused by glitches in the brain waves during sleep. ‘March/April 2003, Psychosomatic Medicine: Patients had unusual patterns during one of the sleep stages during occurrences of sleepsex. ‘Dr. Colin Shapiro in the January, 2004, Redbook: These neurological hiccups during the sleep cycle are ‘much more likely to occur when there is sleep deprivation or alcohol abuse.’ ‘Dr. Allan Hobson, director of Harvard University’s neurophysiology lab, Sleep (2000): ‘We know that sexual arousal can be automatic in sleep. Low-level brain mechanisms, like those critical to sexual intercourse, are activated; higher functions -like judgment and memory -are disabled.’ Transition – So, now that we know what goes on in the brains of those with sexomnia, let’s turn our attention to what goes on in their beds. II. Types of Sleepsex A. Types ‘Previously cited Stanford Study: Two women made loud and continuous sexual moaning sounds during the night and felt embarrassed and guilty that her moaning disturbed her spouse and children. ‘Story of man who masturbated upon a friend while asleep. ‘Website Sleepsex.org: Story of a woman who didn’t believe her boyfriend’s story that she masturbated in her sleep, until he videotaped her doing so. ‘October 30th, 2003WebMD: Story of woman who said her husband initiated rougher sex when he was asleep and had no memory of it but that she liked it. B. Pros and Cons ‘Sleepsex: Uncovered: Dr. Mangan said some men and women ‘indicate that they very much enjoyed waking the experience of sleepsex even though their sex life was fine when they were awake. ‘Story of a woman who likes that her husband has sleepsex and says he’s a better lover when he’s asleep. ‘Sleepsex: Uncovered: ‘The majority of the negative sleepsex experiences have to do with fear and anxiety over one’s own or a partner’s sleepsex.’ ‘Story of a woman said that she had to leave her boyfriend because it felt like she was being assaulted. Transition – And it is this negative part that leads to the legal implications of sleepsex. III. Legal Implications ‘Sleepsex cases have found their way into the courtroom. ‘Previously cited Stanford Study: Frighteningly, some cases of sexomnia resemble ‘rape or rape-like behavior.’ ‘Story of a a youth leader who woke up and found he had been performing oral sex on a 14 year old boy whom he lived with. ‘Summer 1998 Archives of Sexual Behavior: Case of a 45 year-old man who fondled a 14 year old friend of his daughter while he was asleep. Charges were filed and his attorneys didn’t believe it was sleepsex but he was exonerated in court. ‘June 2003 Canadian Journal of Psychiatry: There are many cases of men who were charged with sexually assaulting their partners, or even their own children, however, all were exonerated after doctors found evidence of sexomnia. ‘October 17th, 2003 ABC News: Because it is evidenced by significant and measurable changes in brain wave patterns, ‘signs of sexomnia are pretty tough to fake,’ and ultimately that is why the courts have supported the legitimacy of the defense. ‘Sleepsex: Uncovered: Story of Debra who admitted she once ‘accused a man of date rape, he insisted’ she was the one who initiated it, however, five years into her marriage that she did, indeed, suffer from sleepsex. Review/Conclusion – From the physiological factors, to its various types, to the legal implications, it’s clear that sleepsex is a very real phenomenon. A phenomenon that affects over two and a half million Americans, and maybe someday one of us, unless of course you live alone… and never spend the night at a friend’s house.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.