HAWC class helps Airmen sleep better

  • Published
  • By Airman Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The most important part of being able to fly, fight and win is for all Airmen to be ready to perform at their peak. Individuals with sleeping problems may not have the chance to do that. The Health and Wellness Center here offers a class designed to address those problems.

Capt. Phillip Howell, 23rd Medical Group Mental Health Clinic element leader, teaches the Healthy Sleep class, which covers ways to improve sleeping habits. The class is offered the last Friday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m.

"The first half of the class teaches all the basics: what healthy sleep is, why you need it and when and where you should sleep." said Captain Howell. "The second half of the class will be spent addressing each individual's problems."

Captain Howell has been teaching the class since 2007 with the goal of helping people sleep better by providing behavioral tips.

"It's important for people to realize some of the things they can do before resorting to the use medication," said Captain Howell. "A person can sleep much better when they change their habits before going to bed."

Captain Howell has a few tips toward promoting a healthier sleep pattern.

"First, keep a regular schedule; this seems to be an issue especially with our younger Airmen," he said. "They think they can go to bed at 10 p.m. on weekdays and stay up until 2 or 3 a.m. on weekends, but that sort of variation messes with their sleep pattern."

"Also, if you can't sleep, get out of bed," he said. "Don't watch TV or read a book because that will only stimulate your brain and make it even harder to fall asleep."

"Don't eat, read or watch TV while you lie in bed," said Captain Howell. "The brain learns by association and your bed shouldn't be used for other activities."

Quality sleep is especially important for Airmen who work irregular schedules, such as firefighters or air traffic controllers.

"Getting enough good sleep in fire protection is essential," said Airman 1st Class Brian Bonner, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. "If there's a call in the middle of the night, we need to be alert enough to recognize medical symptoms and drive the trucks as well as have enough stamina to pull the hoses."

Captain Howell agrees that as military members, there's a responsibility each of us has to be able to perform at our highest level.

"Just the nature of our jobs makes it critical," said Captain Howell. "Having sleep problems can have a significant impact on your duty performance. Everyone has their limits, and if you don't get enough sleep, the mission will suffer."