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Gift for Mom that keeps giving? Sleep

The Samaritan Sleep Center wants to help mothers get a more refreshing rest.

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By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer 10:14 AM Tuesday, May 5, 2009

What does your mom really want for Mother’s Day? Maybe it’s just good night’s sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 72 percent of working mothers experience symptoms of sleep problems and 59 percent of stay-at-home mothers say they frequently wake up feeling unrefreshed.

So, in response to this need and just in time for Mother’s Day, the Samaritan Sleep Center of Good Samaritan Hospital is offering a free gift to any mom who comes in and fills out a sleep questionnaire from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today, May 5, through Friday.

“Who needs sleep more than moms?” said Holly Michaels, the communications manager at Good Samaritan.

Moms can also fill out the form over the phone to see if they would benefit from the sleep center’s services, but then they won’t be eligible for the free gift, which is a zippered bag with a sleep mask, ear plugs and soothing lotions and soaps.

“Things that can put you in the mood to sleep,” Michaels said.

Michaels said the questionnaire is not long and includes queries such as: “Do you feel exhausted during the day?” “Do you wake up still feeling tired?” and “Do you fall asleep during the day?”

Joyce Gray, who has been a nurse manager with the sleep center for 13 years, said the facility evaluates sleep needs on an individual basis.

“Often with young mothers, their sleep needs are primarily lifestyle,” Gray said. “They are trying to take care of their children and work full time, and some complain about their husband’s snoring.”

With older moms, Gray said it is often habit that keeps them from getting a good night’s sleep.

Gray said that those who fill out a survey will be evaluated and may be referred to a physician at the center if there is a need.

Sue Rogers, an Englewood mother, has been a patient at the sleep center for nearly six years.

Rogers said she was diagnosed with sleep apnea and was set up with a CPAP machine.

“Without the machine, I have trouble functioning,” she said. “With the machine, I get a good night’s sleep.”

Rogers said she thinks anyone can benefit from this survey, but moms especially need to keep up their energy.

“And sometimes as a mom, the last person you take care of is yourself.”

The sleep center sees 30 to 40 patients a week for overnight sleep studies to pinpoint the source of disruptive sleep disorders, evaluate sleep problems and map out a treatment plan to help local residents.

The sleep center is at 80 E. Woodbury Drive in Harrison Twp. and can be reached at (937) 567-6180.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7325 or jikelley@DaytonDaily News.com.

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