Make yourself a priority by getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Don’t know how? Talk to your work-site nurse or primary care physician about ways to improve your sleep quality. To schedule an appointment, call 24/7 Nurse on Call at 800.528.7883.

TREATING EXHAUSTION LIKE A BADGE OF HONOR?

GETTING 7-8 HOURS OF SLEEP HELPS:

Build immunityRegulate moodBoost metabolismMaintain clarity of thoughtSlow the aging process

DON’T IGNORE YOUR SNORE: Snoring, waking up tired, or daytime sleepiness could be signs of sleep apnea, which can be life threatening. For more information about your risk,

visit bellin.org/services_programs/sleep-center/screenings.

Sleep affects everything from your immune system to your mood and metabolism. In short, good sleep makes you a better version of yourself!

“I’m Mary, and I’m a Lifesaver.”

The Key to a Better Life? Better Sleep.

BE YOUMARY HINTZ, age 59• Wife, mother to three grown sons• Credentialing Specialist for providers• Diagnosed with sleep apnea

BELONG“My husband started using a CPAP sleep apnea machine after open heart surgery in 2007. When he started nudging me because my snoring was waking him up at night, I decided I should get checked out, too. I attended an evening seminar by Bellin Health about sleep apnea and requested a take-home kit. I simply wore something on my finger that recorded my oxygen levels while I slept. When I turned it in for evaluation, it showed I was stopping my breathing pattern several times during the night. They scheduled me for an overnight sleep study and eventually diagnosed sleep apnea. Its been four years since I started using the sleep machine, and I get much better sleep at night.”

BE A LIFESAVER“I know so many people who don’t want to know if they have sleep apnea because they don’t want to end up using a mask and CPAP machine. I tell them I don’t go to bed to be a beauty

queen — I go to bed to get my rest. Talk to someone about sleep apnea. The machines have gotten smaller, quieter, and easier to use. It has been so worth it.”

Are you feeling like the possibility of good sleep is just a dream? Developing good sleep habits can dramatically improve your chances of falling asleep and staying asleep.

1. Think before you snooze. Consider reasons you might be having trouble sleeping. Your sleep habits, sleep environment, stress, pain, medications, shift work, sleep apnea, menopause, and more are all possibilities. Address the most likely culprits first.

2. Establish a routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same times each day – even on weekends – can help your internal body clock stay in sync.

3. Get outdoors. That same body clock uses real-life sunlight and darkness to gauge time. Get at least 10 continuous minutes outside every day, and watch the sun set if possible.

4. Exercise at the right time. Regular exercise contributes to better sleep and helps reduce stress, but get it done at least two hours before bedtime.

5. Prepare your space. Cool down your bedroom at night. Keep it dark since your body may react to even very dim light.

6. Turn off electronics AT LEAST 1-2 hours before bed. Not only does the blue light stimulate your brain, but too much screen time contributes to other bad sleep habits.

7. Perform a digital detox. Time away from technology throughout the day is crucial. It gives your mind some necessary quiet time.

Name: _________________________________ I practiced at least three habits of good sleep everyday this month.

Lifesaver Goal: Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night by developing good sleep habits. Join the Lifesaver challenge at bellin.org/lifesaver.