How virtual sleep care uncovered the cause of years of exhaustion
Bad sleep doesn’t just leave you tired. It can throw off your mood, energy, focus and overall health.
That’s why when Navy Veteran Denise Guzman constantly felt sick, tired and in pain, and why her provider referred her to VA’s TeleSleep program.
At first, Guzman wasn’t sure that sleep was causing her problems.
“Why am I here?” she remembered thinking. “I don’t have problems. I don’t snore. I was like, ‘This is just weird.’”
After just a few visits with a sleep specialist through VA’s TeleSleep program, Guzman was diagnosed with restless leg syndrome, a condition many people don’t realize they have but that can significantly disrupt sleep.
“It was very eye-opening overall,” Guzman said. “I’ve been able to take the tools that she has provided me with and use them now.”
Virtual sleep care
Guzman first met with her VA sleep specialist nearly two years ago through VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app. For Guzman, who was managing other health conditions and a busy schedule, the ability to meet virtually with her sleep specialist, who was located nearly 500 miles from her home, was crucial.
“It is a blessing. I mean, I say that with all my heart, to be able to have the opportunity to sit down with my [provider] virtually and have these features available,” Guzman said.
She began meeting with her sleep specialist every two weeks. During the first few appointments, her specialist focused on getting to know Guzman and understanding her sleep habits. From there, her specialist coordinated labs and equipment through Guzman’s nearest VA facility. In some cases, equipment was mailed directly to her home.
“It was very structured, very organized,” Guzman said. “It was very personable, engaging and enlightening.”
After her diagnosis, Guzman and her sleep specialist began working through a sleep management plan. Together, they looked at her sleep habits and sleep position and identified the type of mattress and pillow that could better support her. These changes were intended not only to help her sleep but also to address the pain she was experiencing.
“Before, I used to sleep in a recliner, and now I sleep on my bed,” Guzman said. “For me, [my sleep now is] much better than what it was two years ago.”
Highest quality of care
Beyond getting care, Guzman said she has learned much more about sleep hygiene over the past two years, including the many factors that can affect sleep, such as neck positioning, pillow type and bedtime routines.
She also credits her VA sleep specialist with helping her better understand how sleep connects to overall health and healing.
“She was really one of the best doctors that I’ve ever worked with,” Guzman said.
Talk to your VA care team to see what virtual sleep care options are available and right for you. For more information about telehealth services available to Veterans, visit VA Telehealth Services.
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