AASM Sleepwire

JANUARY 2013

Tips and story ideas for editors, producers and writers

From the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the leading voice in the field of sleep medicine

Media and public interest in sleep is on the increase while new scientific discoveries are leading to advances in the treatment of sleep illness. To promote sleep health and increase awareness of potentially life-threatening conditions such as sleep apnea, AASM is reaching out to journalists with story ideas, tips, experts and resources to aid in your coverage.

• For details on any of these stories, or to help develop other story concepts, contact Friedmann Lehrer Communications: sleep.medicine@flcomm.com or 847-859-9510.

SLEEP NEWS

Worried about taking your sleeping pills?

The FDA recently called for reduced dosages of certain common sleeping pills. But are they safe? AASM offers Ten Safety Tips for Taking Sleeping Pills for Insomnia.

• Contact us for more information or to connect with a spokesperson.

TIPS - ON THE HORIZON

Better Sleep Leads to Better Love (for Valentine's Day):

Looking for the perfect Valentine's date? Ask if he or she is a lark or an owl. Scientific research shows that couples with matching sleep patterns have better relationships and higher levels of intimacy.

• Our spokesperson has tips that will bring you and your partner closer together.

Does the Long, Dark Winter Make You Sleepy and Anti-Social?

As the long winter wears on, sleep disturbances are more common. Lack of sunlight and lack of an active social life make it worse. AASM offers tips to help resist retreating into your shell and hibernating, which are the worst things you can do when you're having sleep problems.

• Contact us to connect with a spokesperson.

NEW RESEARCH

From the Battlefield to the Bed:

A study of active duty military personnel finds a high prevalence of sleep disorders and suggests that a cultural change toward appropriate sleep practices may be needed in the U.S. military. (See "Sleep disorders and associated medical comorbidities in active duty military personnel," to be published in upcoming Feb. 1 issue of SLEEP)

• Contact us ASAP for an advance copy of the study and the related commentary.

Preventing the Nightmare of Suicide:

A study of sleep problems and suicidal thoughts in people with depression may present new targets for suicide prevention. (See ldquo;Nightmares and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep mediate the effect of insomnia symptoms on suicidal ideation," to be published in upcoming Feb. 15 issue of Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.)

• Contact us ASAP for an advance copy of the study.

STORY IDEAS

Heavy Secret -- Weigh More, Sleep Worse:

Most Americans agree that obesity can lead to heart disease and diabetes. But in a recent survey, 95 percent of respondents failed to recognize that obesity is also a leading cause of serious lung/respiratory problems such as obstructive sleep apnea. Ignorant of the connection, many overweight people may fail to get treated for sleep apnea, putting themselves at increased risk of developing numerous health problems.

• Contact us to connect with a medical spokesperson who can discuss the relationship between obesity and sleep apnea.

Drowsy Driver? There's a Nap for That:

In a recent CDC report, 1 in 24 drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel in the previous 30 days. Does drowsy driving mean you should have gone to bed earlier last night, or is it a sign of a serious illness?

• An AASM medical spokesman can help sort out the difference and talk about prevention.

Forgetful? Maybe it's Because You Snore:

A new analysis of 42 studies found evidence of significant memory impairments in people with OSA. Forgetfulness is just one of the many physical and mental impairments related to sleep apnea.

• An AASM medical spokesman can explain how treatment of OSA can make a patient feel like a "new person."

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