ISD Health Solutions, the Caribbean’s leading provider of sleep and respiratory health solutions, will commemorate World Sleep Day with a webinar on Friday, March 14, followed by a Medical Conference and Expo on March 16th at the ROK Hotel in Kingston.
These events are part of a broader mission to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and the impact of sleep disorders on millions across the Caribbean.
Recognised globally on March 14, World Sleep Day underscores the significance of healthy sleep in maintaining overall well-being. Under the leadership of Gregory Arneaud, a World Sleep Society Delegate representing multiple Caribbean nations, ISD Health Solutions continues to be at the forefront of sleep health advocacy in the region.
A key highlight of the World Sleep Day activities is the medical conference and training session at the ROK Hotel, led by Dr Wendell Bobb, a triple board-certified physician in Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Sleep Medicine. He will be joined by Dr Alicia Jackson and Anyssa Fraser of BlueSleep to provide healthcare professionals with the latest research and treatment strategies in sleep medicine.
This initiative aligns with ISD Health Solutions’ goal of bridging the gap in sleep disorder diagnosis and management in the Caribbean.
Philanthropist and education activist Dr Trisha M. Bailey, known for her humanitarian efforts in healthcare and education, will play a pivotal role in the event. Her involvement highlights the critical intersection of sleep health and overall wellness, reinforcing the importance of prioritising sleep in daily life.
With over 25 years of experience as a Respiratory Therapist, Gregory Arneaud has been advocating for sleep health in the Caribbean for more than 13 years. His dedication stems from personal experiences, including the loss of his grandmother and his father’s near-fatal stroke due to undiagnosed sleep apnea.
As the author of ‘The Wake Up Call: How You Sleep Is How You Live’ and the 2023 Sleep Tech Talk Podcaster of the Year, Arneaud continues to educate and advocate for sleep apnea awareness through regional media platforms.
FOCUS ON WOMEN’S SLEEP HEALTH
This year’s World Sleep Day events will place special emphasis on women’s sleep health, addressing challenges such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, menopause, and caregiving responsibilities.
A distinguished panel of experts will provide insights, including:
• Dr Michael Abrahams, renowned OBGYN
• Dr Terry Baker, Pulmonologist and Internist
• Dr Leroy Campbell, Jamaica-born women’s health doctor practicing in the Cayman Islands
• Dr Tanya Beaubrun, specialist in women’s sleep health
• Dr Roberta Corona from Bioconnect Medical in Barbados, OBGYN focusing on women’s health
To further advance sleep health knowledge, ISD Health Solutions is collaborating with the Diabetes Association of Jamaica (DAJ), the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago (DATT), and the University of the West Indies (UWI) to conduct the first regional study on the correlation between diabetes and sleep health. The findings aim to provide critical insights into the impact of sleep disorders on diabetic patients and improve healthcare outcomes in the region.
Expanding access to sleep diagnostics and treatment, ISD Health Solutions has partnered with Fontana Pharmacy, which will serve as a key distribution point for sleep testing devices. Patients can collect home sleep study tests and CPAP supplies from Fontana’s locations. Additionally, ISD Health Solutions will launch Carib CPAP Distilled Water, a specially formulated product for CPAP users, available at Fontana Pharmacy and other outlets.
ADDRESSING SLEEP APNEA AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS
ISD Health Solutions continues its work with the National Health Fund to raise awareness of chronic illnesses linked to sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. The organisation aims to create a strong regional network of healthcare providers, medical practitioners, and dentists to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to addressing sleep-related conditions.
As the authorised Caribbean distributor for ResMed products, ISD Health Solutions provides FDA-approved sleep testing and treatment solutions. Sleep study results are interpreted by Board-Certified Sleep Physicians accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), ensuring high-quality expertise for Caribbean residents.
Sleep apnea is one of the most underdiagnosed medical conditions globally, affecting nearly one billion people worldwide. In the English-speaking Caribbean alone, an estimated two million individuals suffer from sleep apnea.
Studies show that sleep deprivation leads to significant economic losses, with businesses in the United States incurring approximately US$136 billion annually due to health-related productivity declines. While Caribbean-specific data is not yet available, the impact is believed to be similarly substantial.
Beyond economic concerns, inadequate sleep contributes to decreased productivity, impaired cognitive function, and increased risks of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which can, in severe cases, lead to suicide. Addressing sleep disorders is not just about public health and workplace efficiency – it is about enhancing personal well-being and strengthening relationships.
The World Sleep Day Webinar on March 14 and the Medical Conference & Expo on March 16 will present invaluable opportunities for healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and the general public to engage in critical discussions about sleep health.
ISD Health Solutions invites all stakeholders to participate, learn, and take actionable steps toward better sleep health for a healthier and more productive Caribbean.
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