New Big Island Sleep Lab
tracks better bedtime habits

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Star-Bulletin staff

North Hawaii Community Hospital, which offers the newest Sleep Lab on the Big Island, is joining hundreds of other organizations across the country in celebrating National Sleep Awareness Week today through Sunday.

Kathy Bronk, Sleep Lab technician, said, "The consequences of sleeplessness are severe, and sleep deprivation and disorders are estimated to cost society $100 billion a year in lost productivity, medical costs, sick leave and property and environmental damage."

Sleep deprivation "can be as lethal as alcohol consumption," she said. "At least 100,000 police-reported crashes and 1,500 deaths occur in the United States each year because of drowsy driving."

The Sleep Lab at the North Hawaii hospital in Waimea provides non-diagnostic consultations with sleep specialists, the latest information on sleep, sleep hygiene and disorders, a free risk assessment on a person's sleep, a test to assess daytime sleepiness levels, a 12-question Sleep IQ Test and a "Sleep Diary" to help keep track of sleep habits and identify potential problems.

The Sleep Lab suggests these simple lifestyle changes to achieve better sleep:
>> Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks in the evening.
>> Drink less fluid before bedtime.
>> Exercise regularly, preferably in the morning or afternoon.
>> Soak in a hot tub or try another relaxing routine before bed.
>> Establish a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule.

For more information on the NHCH Sleep Lab in Waimea or National Sleep Awareness Week, call 881-4876 or talk to your doctor about the importance of adequate sleep.