NITHRA SUPPORT GROUP

Nithra Support Group was launched on July 8, 2005 to mark the first anniversary celebration of Nithra Institute of Sleep Science. During the launch of this interactive forum to help patients with sleep problems, Dr.N.Ramakrishnan, Director of Nithra Institute of Sleep Sciences said “Over the past year, we have gradually improved the awareness about sleep problems not only amongst general public but also in the medical community. Several patients have benefited from treatment at Nithra, and I feel it’s now important for them to help spread the message. Most of us hesitate to talk about our sleep problems and are particularly embarrassed if we snore or feel sleepy at all times. These problems can lead to reduced efficiency at work and work related or motor vehicle accidents. If untreated, in the long term, this could also lead to complications like heart diseases, stroke and high blood pressure.”

This support group was started primarily because of the initiative of some of the patients and their family members who benefited from treatment at Nithra and were keen on spreading the message to others by providing a forum for anyone to freely and confidentially discuss about sleep related problems, which they or any of their family members and friends experience. All of us need a wake up call on the importance of sleep and this forum provides such a platform on a regular basis The forum is open to all and several volunteers attend the meeting regularly. Those attending the support group meetings get a chance to educate each other and also learn from doctors and clinical psychologists. Quarterly meetings are planned usually during the months of January, April, July & October. Meeting dates and location are usually notified a few days ahead, through media. Those who would like to receive regular email notification may please contact us.

Nithra Support Group is now conducted in collaboration with American Sleep Apnea Association (www.sleepapnea.org) as an A.W.A.K.E (Alert, Well and Keeping Energetic) group meeting. We are proud to state that we are the first support group endorsed by American Sleep Apnea Association, outside North America.

So, if you or any of your loved ones are troubled by sleeplessness, snoring, excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day, abnormal behavior during sleep or if you feel that you are dependent on medications to sleep, it may be a good idea to stop by and get some answers from each other and from sleep professionals who participate in this support group.