First Annual Sleep Walk Tampa Bay Makes a Big Splash

The first annual Sleep Walk Tampa Bay was a hit, bringing out over 70 participants (and the Bay News 9 television crew) to the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on August 31^st. The Sleep Walkers were people living with sleep disorders, their friends and family, and sleep medicine professionals including physicians, researchers, and technicians. Participants merrily walked 1.5 miles on the beach and gathered for a post-walk celebration and Sleep Spirit Contest. We’re proud to say Sleep Walk Tampa Bay more than met the high expectations set from earning a spot on the Tampa Bay Time’s weekly “Top Things to do in Tampa Bay” list!

The host of the event was Jessica Davenport (pictured below speaking to Bay News 9), a local Fitness and Wellness Specialist who has sleep apnea and narcolepsy without cataplexy. Jessica was inspired to host a Sleep Walk when she was trying to find opportunities in the area to connect with other people with sleep disorders and raise awareness. “In the spring, right before National Sleepy Saturday, I looked all around Tampa Bay to see if there were any events to attend…but there were none” says Jessica. The resourceful Jessica then reached out to Project Sleep to host a sleep health awareness event herself. Thanks to Jessica, Tampa Bay will now be home to an annual Sleep Walk. “After hearing how appreciative attendees were to come and feel supported, I knew I’d have to host the event again. Next year will be bigger and even better”.