Study links severe sleep apnea to lower bone mineral density in men
Men with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had a significantly lower bone mineral density than participants without OSA, according to a Japanese study published in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Study shows that upper airway stimulation has long-term, positive impact on quality of life
A study published in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that hypoglossal cranial nerve stimulation therapy produced long-term, clinically meaningful improvements in snoring, daytime alertness, and sleep-related quality of life among select patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who had difficulty adhering to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy.
JCSM introduces new submission categories for emerging technology, DME and global sleep medicine
An editorial by Editor-in-Chief Nancy Collop, MD, in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine announced that JCSM is seeking submissions for three new categories: Emerging Technologies, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and the Global Practice of Sleep Medicine.
More cases are needed for the OSA Death and Near Miss Registry
According to an article published this week by Anesthesiology News, 46 cases have been collected by the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Death and Near Miss Registry. However, more cases are needed for analysis of unanticipated perioperative deaths and near misses in patients with OSA.
AASM to attend NHTSA meeting on fatigue risk management for EMS personnel
Representatives from the AASM will attend a meeting led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to discuss a new initiative by NHTSA to develop voluntary evidence-based guidelines for fatigue risk management tailored to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) occupation.
CMS updates providers on the future of EHR incentives
On Jan 19, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a blog post outlining plans for the future of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive program.
Register for free oral appliance therapy clinical guideline webinar on Feb. 3
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time, the AASM will host a free webinar exploring the recent update to the clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy.
How to use Twitter Part I: Getting started
Twitter is a tool that can both directly connect you to your patients and to other medical professionals. Many organizations use Twitter as a way to circulate the latest information, which makes it a great tool to stay informed (as well as circulate information you think is important to share).
Public launch of new telemedicine system AASM SleepTM innovates sleep medicine
Today the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) officially launched AASM SleepTM, a new state-of-the-art telemedicine platform that will dramatically increase patient access to the expertise of board-certified sleep medicine physicians and accredited sleep centers. By eliminating the barriers of regional boundaries and travel times, AASM SleepTM will ensure that all patients have access to high quality sleep health care, regardless of where they live.
AASM SleepTM demos are available now – spots are limited
AASM SleepTM offers an innovative and user-friendly telemedicine platform designed specifically for the field of sleep medicine. Register for an available demo to experience an exclusive tour of the newly-released platform.
Study suggests that daytime diet can influence sleep quality
A study in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that diet can influence nighttime sleep propensity, depth and architecture.
Special article explains evolution of AASM clinical practice guideline development
The AASM is taking the next step forward in evidence-based guideline development by fully adopting GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) as the methodology used for evaluating evidence and forming clinical practice guidelines recommendations, according to a special article in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
ASMF accepting applications for 2016 PSTA and Bridge to Success Awards
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation is accepting applications for the 2016 cycle of the Physician Scientist Training Award (PSTA), the Bridge to Success Award for Early Career Investigators, and the Bridge to Success Award for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators.
Study suggests that what you eat can influence how you sleep
A new study found that eating less fiber, more saturated fat and more sugar is associated with lighter, less restorative, and more disrupted sleep.
NTSB 2016 Most Wanted List: Reducing fatigue-related accidents is a top priority
Earlier this week the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) unveiled its 2016 Most Wanted List, which includes “reducing fatigue-related accidents” as one of the most critical changes needed to reduce transportation accidents and save lives.
AASM accreditation deadline: Implement AASM Scoring Manual Version 2.2 by Jan. 15
All American Academy of Sleep Medicine accredited sleep facilities and home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) programs are required to implement the rules in Version 2.2 of the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events by January 15, 2016.
New AASM seminar: Expanding Your Sleep Practice through Telemedicine and Integrated Care
All-new for 2016, this half-day seminar will provide attendees with the tools necessary to expand and elevate their sleep practices through the use of telemedicine and an integrated care model. This seminar will be offered 7 times in 2016: Feb. 5, March 10, March 11, April 7, April 8, May 9 and May 10. Each seminar is limited to 20 attendees, so register today!
Study finds that CPAP for sleep apnea improves glucose tolerance
A randomized controlled trial performed in nondiabetic subjects with morbid obesity and severe obstructive sleep apnea found that the effective treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for 12 weeks improves glucose tolerance without improvement in insulin resistance.
Editorial by SLEEP editor outlines changes for the journal
An editorial in the January issue of SLEEP by new Editor-in-Chief Ronald Szymusiak, PhD, outlines recent changes for the journal.
CDC analysis finds that women and single parents have more sleep problems
A new data brief from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that single parents get less sleep and experience more sleep-related problems than adults in other types of families.
Consumer Reports explores sleep medicine in February cover story
The February 2016 issue of Consumer Reports features a cover story and related articles focusing on sleep, sleeplessness and sleep aids.
ASMF announces 2016 High School Video Contest
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation (ASMF) encourages all AASM members to notify local teens and high schools about the 2016 ASMF "Sleep Story" High School Video Contest, which gives students an opportunity to help shine a light on the effects of sleep problems. Entries must be submitted by Feb. 29, 2016.
AASM PAC setting the bar higher for 2016 election
In the fourth quarter of 2015, contributions to the AASM Political Action Committee (PAC) successfully outpaced those from 2014. Start the New Year on the right foot and join the movement for forward-thinking sleep medicine policy. I encourage you to make a donation to the AASM PAC today.
Article addresses lack of federal regulations for screening rail employees
Last week, Politico published the article, "Asleep at the wheel," which addresses the lack of federal regulations for screening rail employees for sleep disorders.
CMS establishes a DME prior authorization program
On Dec. 29, 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a final rule establishing a prior authorization program for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) items that are frequently subject to unnecessary utilization. The rule identifies continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices as one of the items “potentially subject to prior authorization.”