Sleep Hygiene class taught to USARPAC Military Spouses

By 1LT Tiara PadronApril 13, 2015

Sleep Hygiene class taught by Capt. Jason Judkins, the Occupational Therapist at the U.S. Army Health Clinic - Schofield Barracks
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On March, 30, 2015, Capt. Jason Judkins, Chief of Occupational Therapy at the U.S. Army Health Clinic - Schofield Barracks (USAHCSB), Hawaii, taught a room of United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) senior spouses the importance of proper Sleep Hygiene ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Capt. Jason Judkins, the Chief Occupational Therapis at the U.S. Army Health Clinic - Schofield Barracks, teaches Senior Military Spouses in PRMC the importance of Sleep in a Sleep Hygiene Class
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – On March, 30, 2015, Capt. Jason Judkins, Chief of Occupational Therapy at the U.S. Army Health Clinic - Schofield Barracks (USAHCSB), Hawaii, taught a room of United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) senior spouses the importance of proper Sleep Hygiene ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

On March, 30, 2015, Capt. Jason Judkins the Chief of Occupational Therapy at the U.S. Army Health Clinic - Schofield Barracks (USAHCSB), Hawaii, teaches United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) senior spouses the importance of proper sleep hygiene and how to accomplish healthy rest cycles.

He emphasized that a majority of adults in military environments do not get enough sleep and that healthy sleep can improve heart functions, decrease weight, increase function of the brain, cause less pain and build a stronger immunity.

The phrase "Performance Triad" has gained popularity since its creation by Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, Surgeon General of the Army, and the launch of the pilot program in 2013.

Judkins focused on the the importance of one of the three legs of the Performance Triad; sleep.

What is the Performance Triad?

It's simple in theory; healthy sleep, well-rounded nutrition and increased activity.

According to Judkins, getting healthy and plentiful sleep isn't always easy; especially with life distractions. "I believe that decreased sleep is a widespread problem for Soldiers and families in military. With numerous deployments, irregular work hours, injuries, and the everyday stressors of life, it's easy to see how it can be difficult for an individual to obtain quality sleep."

Judkins began his sleep hygiene class with sleep information and ended it with practical exercises and discussion.

He taught that sufficient rest each night ensures optimal mental and physical performance.

According to several studies, there are numerous benefits to adequate healthy sleep.

Many individuals experience improved heart function, an overall decreased body weight, greater brain function, less pain and a stronger immune system.

Getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night is ideal, but mostly if you're getting uninterrupted and healthy sleep.

Judkins also taught a few tips to help fall asleep quicker and rest better throughout the night.

Judkins recommended the following:

-Create a dark and quiet environment

-Avoid alcohol four to six hours before bedtime

-Avoid caffeine six hours before bedtime

-Maintain a routine sleep schedule

-Keep naps to 30-60 minutes in length

-Remove distractions like Television, phones and computers

For more information on the Performance Triad, visit http://armymedicine.mil/Pages/performance-triad.aspx