Sleep disorder presentation Thursday at Cape Hospital
Seating is running out for a free lecture Thursday on sleep issues and improvement methods.
As part of the Healthy Lee initiative, author and sleep specialist Dr. Jose Colon will discuss the effect of sleep disorders on neurocognitive function, weight management and more. Hosted by Lee Memorial Health System, the lecture is from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Cape Coral Hospital’s auxiliary conference room.
Colon will speak on the same subject earlier in the day at the Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers.
“Many patients complain that they don’t sleep well for a number of reasons,” Dr. Sal Lacagnina, with the LMHS, said on Tuesday. “It’s one of the most common reasons that people go to the doctor.”
“It really is a significant medical problem,” he said. “And we thought he was a really good expert.”
Colon is dual board certified in sleep medicine and neurology, with special qualifications in child neurology. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the University of South Florida and completed a neurology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.
Colon is a founding member of the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine and a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He authored “The Sleep Diet, a Novel Approach to Insomnia,” as well as two children’s books called “The Magic Ice Cream Palace” and “Sometimes I Dream.”
According to Lacagnina, adults need seven to eight hours of sleep and children need at least nine.
Colon will cover how a lack of sleep can effect one’s energy for exercise, brain health and more.
“He’s really going to touch on all aspects of sleep health,” Lacagnina said.
Colon will also discuss methods of sleep therapy, or ways to improve one’s sleeping patterns.
“He’ll talk about setting up an environment that allows you to sleep better,” he said.
Shutting off the television, putting away electronics and turning down the lights are some options.
“Make the room cool and dark,” Lacagnina said. “That increases your melatonin level.”
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated products shortly before bedtime.
Along with these recommendations, Colon will cover natural remedies and sleep aids.
“As opposed to taking prescribed sleep medications,” he said.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Seating is limited and registration is required.
“There are still a few seats available,” Lacagnina said Tuesday.
To register for the lecture, call 239-561-5080.
He noted that the topic is applicable to young adults, college students and on up.
“So many people have that problem,” Lacagnina said. “A lot of college-ages kids don’t sleep well. Certainly as we all get older, sleep becomes a problem.”
For more information on the Healthy Lee initiative, visit: www.leememorial.org/.
The Cape Coral Hospital is at 636 Del Prado Blvd.