CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Adventist Health Clear Lake Medical Office – Clearlake is offering Sleep Better Education Sessions for community members who are tired of being tired.

The free, hour-long group classes are offered Tuesday afternoons from Feb. 13 to March 13 at 4 p.m.

The classes are offered through the medical office’s Live Well Program, though participants do not need to be patients to attend.

The class is facilitated by Emily Garner, PsyD, a psychologist practicing at the medical office.

Each of the five, one-hour sessions focuses on a different topic related to restoring quality rest and developing healthy sleep habits.

Participants may attend one class or the entire series:

– Feb. 13: Sleep education.

– Feb. 20: Sleep medications and scheduling.

– February 27: “Make” your bed.

– March 6: Relaxation response.

– March 13: Sleep hygiene.

“Sleep is one of our basic needs,” explained Garner, “yet 60 percent of adults report they have insomnia at least twice a week and thirty percent have chronic insomnia. By this measure, it’s becoming our new normal.”

The American Association of Sleep Medicine reports that three in 10 working adults in the United States sleep six hours or less each 24 hour period. Sleeping six or less hours per night increases obesity risk by 21 percent, stroke risk by 22 percent, diabetes risk by 25 percent and risk of coronary heart disease by 35 percent.

The Sleep Better Education Sessions provide important information and helpful tips for those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. The group also provides helpful support.  

“Struggling with insomnia can be isolating, especially when we stay sedentary at home to try to catch up on rest," said Garner. "Being in a group reminds us that we’re not alone while we work on the problem together."

Interested individuals can RSVP for the Sleep Better Education Sessions by calling the Live Well Program at 707-995-4589.

The Adventist Health Clear Lake Medical Office – Clearlake is located at 15230 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.