On April 30, Dr. Asia Filatov, a neurologist at Northwest Health - Porter location in Valparaiso, presented the latest installment in the network’s monthly HealthyU wellness series. Filatov’s presentation, entitled “Sweet Dreams: Why Good Sleep Matters,” supplied the attendees with information about the benefits of healthy sleeping habits and the root causes of sleeping disorders.
Filatov also provided her listeners with plenty of tips for securing a good night’s sleep. She closed the presentation with a Q&A session in which attendees could ask questions and share some of the sleep-inducing strategies that have helped them in the past. Healthy snacks were provided for the attendees as they participated in the seminar.
The HealthyU series, which started in January 2023, offers community members the chance to learn about a wide array of medical information such as the best ways to detect pancreatic cancer and tactics athletes can employ to stay safe and healthy. These free seminars provide members of the community with accurate medical information, empowering them to make educated decisions about their health. Filatov feels that events like this are of much importance.
“I enjoy educating the community and making sure that everyone is trying to do something about their health,” Filatov said. “I always tell my patients: if you're not going to make time for your health, you're going to have to make time for your illness. Community outreach programs like the HealthyU series are always important because you never know who's going to come through the door needing help with a problem. Everyone can get involved and can contribute at events like this. It’s great.”
Filatov suggests several strategies for combating insomnia, that is, the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep.
“Don't do anything that creates stimulation before going to sleep,” Filatov said. “Don't watch TV or use your electronic devices in bed. Try to avoid talking to people on the phone shortly before your bedtime. Avoid drinking caffeine or doing any heavy alcohol drinking before you lay down and don’t exercise less than 30 minutes before your bedtime. Don’t take naps that are longer than 30 minutes and never nap too close to your bedtime. Make sure that you are using a comfortable mattress and pillows and that your room is dark and quiet. If you consistently regulate the room’s temperature at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you will see your sleep pattern improve.”
Filatov reminded her listeners that implementing these changes into their daily routines would take time and encouraged them to be patient with themselves. She hopes that her presentation provided the attendees with whatever assistance they may have required.
“Events like this seminar can help make community members aware of the fact that they might have an issue or a disorder, thereby motivating them to go see a physician,” Filatov said. “If they realize that they are experiencing some of the symptoms we discussed in today's presentation, that could lead them to go see a neurologist to learn what’s going on and get the treatment they need.”
The attendees departed the event armed with Filatov’s suggestions, optimistic that they were ever closer to achieving the good night’s sleep they had been dreaming of.
To learn more information about Northwest Health Porter and upcoming HealthyU events, please visit www.nwhealthin.com
