BREMERTON — Harrison’s accredited Sleep Disorders Center is encouraging people to take an active role in their sleep apnea therapy by offering a free support group for those suffering from sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Kitsap Peninsula AWAKE (Alert, Well, and Keeping Energetic) meets every three months and is open to those suffering from a sleep disorder, and their families, to share experiences and learn more about sleep ailments.

The next AWAKE support group meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, in the Harrison Bremerton Annex, 750 Lebo Blvd.

The topic for this meeting is, “CPAP Review: What Are All These Buttons For?” and will be presented by Susan McInturff, RCP, RRT, CPAP educator. Refreshments will be provided.

Free CPAP/BPAP checks are provided at all AWAKE meetings, along with news on the latest advances in CPAP masks and equipment. Topics have ranged from solving simple CPAP issues, sleep basics, circadian rhythm disorders, and periodic limb movements.

“Our team is dedicated to educating people with sleep disorders and helping them find a solution for their sleep condition,” said Dan McCormick, Sleep Disorders Center manager. “While sleep disorders are fairly common, they can have serious side effects and have been linked to hypertension, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Our mission is to help people live healthier lives by simply getting better sleep.”

For registration, contact Rhonda Jacobi at 360-744-6812 or rhonda.jacobi@harrisonmedical.org.