By Julie Washington
cleveland.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Seven Hills firefighters are no longer sleeping in a former storage closet. Instead, they now enjoy new sleeping quarters designed with help from the sleep medicine staff at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center.
Previously, all five on-duty firefighters slept in the same shared room. UH sleep specialists visited the fire station, observed the accommodations and talked with firefighters about their needs.
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Sleep disorder doctors identify and treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, restless legs syndrome and more.
“Improving sleep environments for public servants who sleep at work goes a long way to improving their quality of life, because shift work sleep disorder is a real thing and it can really impact people,” said Dr. John Andrefsky, a specialist in sleep medicine and leader of the UH Parma Sleep Team.
“These people sleep in these environments away from home for years, sometimes decades,” Andrefsky said. “They deserve to get the best rest possible.”
Sleep is essential for good health. It allows the brain to store memories and promote mental sharpness and concentration during the day. It also allows the body to burn fat, restore tissue and boost energy and productivity.
Sleeplessness can lead to heart disease, depression or anxiety, an inability to focus, diabetes, or weight gain.
With help from the UH sleep team, the fire station renovated a meeting room into five small, individually furnished dorm-style rooms. Each area includes neutral wall colors, blackout curtains, sound machines and its own temperature control.
The renovated sleeping quarters were part of a building overhaul using state funds. The UH sleep medicine team provided its consultation services at no cost.
“We were honored this time to travel out into the community to help in this unique way,” Andrefsky said.
“These renovations ensure that our firefighters have a quality, healthy environment where they can recharge and regroup after responding to calls,” said Seven Hills Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta. “Having an updated facility helps support their well-being, strengthens the service they provide to our community every day, and aids in ensuring we retain the hardworking individuals who protect Seven Hills .”
Biasiotta noted that providing individual sleeping areas will make the department better prepared to accommodate female firefighters in the future.
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