Ensuring mission readiness with a few good zzzs

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher R. Morales
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  According to sleepfoundation.org, 60 percent of Americans between the ages of 13 and 64 say they experience a sleep problem every night or almost every night. But only about 50 to 70 million Americans are affected by sleep disorders.

Just because people are tired or have a tough time falling or staying asleep doesn't mean they have a sleep disorder.

Many sleeping difficulties are self-induced, such as consuming caffeine after noon or staying up all night late watching a bright screen.

"It would be beneficial for the entire community to look at sleep and sleep habits with the same amount of focus as we look at exercise and nutrition," said Air Force Col. Teresa Bisnett, JBER hospital commander. "We are fortunate the Air Force has a sleep clinic here."

Sleep is vital because it helps recharge the brain, like taking a rest day recharges muscles after a workout. A poor sleep schedule can disrupt daily functions and worsen conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and depression.

The JBER hospital Sleep Clinic is equipped to treat all adult military beneficiaries.

"[The SDC] is committed to readiness and seamless health service to provide high-quality health care to our mission-ready arctic warriors, dependents, veterans and retirees," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Cheryl Kuntz, 673d Medical Group SDC cardiopulmonary technician.

The center's goal is to increase overall health, daytime functions, restore regular sleep patterns and minimize risks of associated diseases.

Going to the sleep clinic, just like going to behavioral health, doesn't negatively affect someone's career.

"It should improve your career to maintain your mission readiness by not struggling to stay awake," said Air Force Maj. Ross Dodge, 673d Medical Group SDC medical director.

To be admitted to the sleep clinic, a patient must be referred by their primary care manager. Depending on the symptoms, one would go to the insomnia class or schedule an appointment with the sleep clinic.

Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. People with insomnia can experience fatigue, low energy, moodiness, lack of concentration and decreased performance.

The insomnia class, hosted by the Behavioral Health Optimization Program, educates participants on bad sleeping habits people have and some techniques to prepare the body for sleep. These include creating a bedtime routine and developing a sleep environment to associate the bed with sleep.

It is also recommended to have a light dinner and not to have alcohol, nicotine, an intense workout or anti-drowsy medication right before sleep.

"You don't have to have a sleep test just because you don't sleep well," Kuntz said. "You have to eliminate the factors in your control, then work on the ones outside of your control."

The sleep clinic treats out-of-control factors like chronic sleep disorders, sleep apnea, restless-leg syndrome, narcolepsy and more.

By conducting overnight sleep studies and daytime studies with multiple tools tracking breath, temperature, heart rate, noise, movement and brain functions, the sleep clinic can accurately identify the root of the medical problem.

Sleep is a personal responsibility, but maintaining mission readiness is everyone's concern. Everyone sleeps one-third of their lives, so make it an important part of everyday - or every night to get adequate sleep.

For more information, talk to your primary care manager or call the SDC at 580-6498.