A.W.A.K.E., a health awareness support group for people affected with sleep apnea, will meet at 6 pm on Wednesday, March 16, in the Sarah Bush Lincoln Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education.
Area residents with sleeping disorders are encouraged to join A.W.A.K.E., which stands for Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic of Central Illinois. People who suffer from sleep apnea, and family members and friends of those who suffer from sleep apnea, are encouraged to attend the meeting. It is free and open to the public. The support group is sponsored and coordinated by SBL Sleep Disorders Center and Lincolnland Home Medical Equipment.
Sleep Technologist Rodney Wildman, RPSGT, will present “Nose breathing vs Mouth breathing.” The meeting will also include free mask fitting, pressure checks and refreshments.
The meeting is being held during National Sleep Awareness Week® beginning March 6. This annual public education and awareness campaign promotes the importance of sleep, and ends with the clock change to Daylight Saving Time at 2 am on Sunday, March 13, when too many people choose to lose an hour of sleep.
The National Sleep Foundation and Sarah Bush Lincoln suggest people be aware of the following six symptoms that can signal inadequate sleep. If any apply, discuss them with a doctor or other healthcare provider:
• Dozing off while engaged in an activity such as reading, watching TV, sitting in
meetings, or sitting in traffic
• Slowed thinking and reacting
• Difficulty listening to what is said or understanding directions
• Frequent errors or mistakes
• Depression or negative mood
• Impatience or being quick to anger
For more information, please contact Rodney Wildman, at (217) 238-4538. Sleep studies are offered in both Mattoon and Effingham locations. The Sleep Disorders Center in Mattoon is located at Prairie Pavilion 1, Suite 106, on Sarah Bush Lincoln’s campus. Sleep studies are also conducted at the SBL Effingham Clinic, located at 905 N. Maple.