Sweet Dreamzzz assists children with asthma through sleep education

LIVONIA, Mich. - May 16, 2018 - PRLog -- There is no doubt, asthma affects sleep. Nighttime coughing, wheezing and breathlessness disrupt much needed shut-eye and the body's natural circadian rhythms, which can lead to even more severe health problems. Local nonprofit, Sweet Dreamzzz, Inc., brought sleep education and bedtime basics, including a sleeping bag, Bedgear™ Performance Pillow, nightshirt, toothbrush and toothpaste, to 40 children with asthma at the YMCA of Jackson's Storer Camp to help make bedtime better.

The overall purpose of the camp is to show children with asthma they can still lead a normal life and participate in the same activities as children who don't have the condition and it won't hold them back. Children take part in activities like horseback riding, archery and rock wall climbing.

The camp is put on by St. John's and the Sweet Dreamzzz™ portion was sponsored by Art Van PureSleep, Bedgear and the Fezzey family. It serves children ages 9-13 who are selected from the 18 school-based health centers that Ascension St John's has in the metro Detroit area.

Bedgear CEO, Eugene Alletto, spoke to the importance of their pillow donation.

"The ventilation technology within Bedgear Performance Pillows helps to eliminate dander and allergens that often plague children," he says. "We are gratified knowing these students will benefit from sleeping on our pillows."

Senior vice president of Art Van PureSleep, Neil Zimmer, is excited to support more children in need through Sweet Dreamzzz.

"This donation is a great way for Art Van PureSleep to help deserving students in our community and give them an opportunity for a better night's sleep, which we know positively influences their studies and success in school."

Suzy Fezzey, a Sweet Dreamzzz Sleep Educator and longtime supporter, presented the organization's sleep education curriculum to the group, teaching them the steps to a healthy bedtime routine like reading before bed, eating a healthy snack, brushing their teeth and getting to sleep on time, along with why it's important.

While sleep education cannot completely cure the negative effects of asthma on sleep, the steps of the Sweet Dreamzzz R.E.A.D.Y.™ bedtime routine ensure that children will get a better, healthier sleep by properly preparing their bodies for nighttime and adding in comfort with bedtime basics. A goodnight's sleep will equip these children to lead the same kind of life as those without asthma.

Sweet Dreamzzz, Inc.
Founded in 1998, Sweet Dreamzzz, Inc. is a regional nonprofit organization committed to improving children's health, well-being, and academic performance by providing sleep education and bedtime essentials to economically disadvantaged students and their families. Based in Metro Detroit, Sweet Dreamzzz educates children and families about the benefits of healthy sleep and establishing a bedtime routine using innovative programs including its Early Childhood Sleep Education Program, Parent Sleep Education Workshop, and R.E.M. (Rest. Educate. Motivate.) Sleep Program. Since its founding, Sweet Dreamzzz has served more than 55,000 at-risk children and families. For more information, please visit www.SweetDreamzzz.org.