Speaking at the Florida Association of Sleep Technologists Conference – Guest Post by Jessica Davenport
On Friday, November 7th, I was given the incredible opportunity to be a guest speaker at the Florida Association of Sleep Technologists conference. I shared my story on living with sleep disorders (narcolepsy without cataplexy and sleep apnea) and about my current volunteer work with Project Sleep. It was a fantastic conference and I met so many amazing people currently working in the sleep field.
Since I presented in the afternoon, and keeping in mind that the majority of the conference attendees (sleep technologists) would normally be sleeping at that time, I incorporated a little physical activity and stretches to get everyone alert. The group was willing to indulge me and even had some good laughs while we marched in place, did chair squats and stretched in several different directions.
After sharing my own personal story about living with sleep disorders, I talked to the group about what an important job each of them has since they are truly on the front lines when it comes to aiding in proper diagnoses and increasing awareness of sleep disorders. I talked to them about Project Sleep and about its mission to “Make Sleep Cool”! They seemed excited about this fun and uplifting approach to sleep health and disorder awareness.
I finished off my talk by playing the just released Honda Narcolepsy PSA and we raffled off several of Julie’s Wide Awake and Dreaming books. After the conference ended I gathered the entire group to take a NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE photo.
About the author: Jessica Davenport is the Director of Sleep Education Strategies for Project Sleep. Jessica organized and hosted the first ever Sleep Walk Tampa Bay event. She is a Fitness and Wellness Specialist for PSCU, Wellcoaches certified Health Coach, A.C.E. certified Personal Trainer, and holds a B.S. in Wellness Leadership from the University of South Florida. She has narcolepsy without cataplexy and sleep apnea.
