Welcome

Welcome to the SleepEducation Blog from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This blog is a companion to the AASM Web site at www.sleepeducation.com.

The blog will officially launch tomorrow with daily posts. It will keep you up to date on the latest news, research and information about sleep and sleep disorders.

Most adults need about seven to eight hours of nightly sleep to feel alert and well rested. But many people try to "get by" on less. The resulting impact of ongoing sleep loss can be severe.

This blog will help you learn more about the benefits of sleep. You’ll find out how sleep contributes to your health and well-being.

Many people also struggle with a chronic sleep problem. It is estimated that 50 million to 70 million people in the U.S. have a sleep disorder. Insomnia. Sleep apnea. Restless legs syndrome. The list of more than 80 sleep disorders is long and varied.

Some problems keep you from being able to sleep well. Others prevent you from being able to stay awake. You’ll learn more about these problems here from the AASM.

What is the AASM? It is a professional society for doctors, scientists and other health professionals. The AASM promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care and sleep research.

One way the AASM does this is by accrediting sleep disorders centers and labs. AASM accreditation is the "gold standard" for the field. It shows that a sleep center or lab maintains the highest standards of patient care.

In 1977 the AASM accredited the first sleep disorders center. Today there are more than 1,500 AASM-accredited centers and labs. They are providing trusted medical care in every part of the country.

So what interests you the most about sleep? What topics would you like to learn more about on the blog?