AWAKE and Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center Offer Support

Friday, January 20th, 2012 at 2:03 PM

Sleep affects a person’s waking hours more than a person realizes. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless limb syndrome, narcolepsy, delayed or advanced sleep phase syndrome and parasomnias.

The Alert, Well and Keeping Energy (AWAKE) sleep support group is part of the Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center’s efforts to help patients get the rest they need to lead normal, productive lives.

“People don’t realize the affect and power a good night’s sleep has on people,” says Jennifer Morrow, the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Sleep Center and AWAKE support group coordinator.

Some common symptoms of not getting enough rest include excessive sleepiness during daytime hours, loud snoring, pauses during breathing while asleep, morning headaches, restless legs during sleep and exhaustion despite having enough sleep hours.

Through the Coweta AWAKE network, patients can share tips on sleeping well, vent frustrations, network and find support outside of the sleep lab. Meetings are held on a quarterly basis.

The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Sleep Center is located in the Piedmont Heart Institute building in Sharpsburg. The sleep center holds an open clinic on Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 4:30 p.m. with 15 minute appointment intervals. Patients can come in during this time and consult with Morrow and Dr. Vijay Patel on how sleep can improve their overall health. Morrow also encourages prospective patients to call Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and have a phone consultation to discuss whether the sleep clinic can help their situation.

AWAKE will hold its third meeting on Feb. 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the sleep clinic. Dr. Thippeswamy Murhty of the Piedmont Heart Institute will speak at the meeting on the subject of sleep apnea and heart failure. RSVP by calling 770-254-3289.