Free event for sleep sufferers

St. Mary's Sleep Center is helping people get a better night sleep by providing a free community sleep event.

The event will be held from 2-6 p.m. March 7 in the St. Mary's Assembly Hall, 100 St. Mary's Medical Plaza in Jefferson City.

Free checks of sleep-apnea equipment and CPAP masks will be provided, as well as onsite support from St. Mary's Sleep Center staff and national sleep companies regarding sleep questions, care and cleaning of sleep equipment, helpful relaxation techniques before sleep, and the latest in CPAP technology.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure, which is a method used to keep sleep-apnea patients' airways open at night while they sleep. Sleep apnea affects more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Krishna Mettu, St. Mary's Sleep Center medical director, will be at the event to answer questions about sleep and sleep disorders. Mettu works with patients to treat sleep disorders and find the right balance of sleep. He is fellowship-trained in sleep medicine and neurology.

The event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Refreshments will be provided.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their CPAP machine and masks to the event to have them checked for functionality and fit.