Healthy Sleep Project urges parents to teach teens to avoid drowsy driving
Drowsiness is similar to alcohol in how it compromises driving ability, yet many parents of teen drivers do not recognize the hidden danger of drowsy driving. The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project is addressing this public safety threat by urging all parents of teen and novice drivers to talk with their children about getting nine hours of nightly sleep for optimal daytime alertness and committing to pull over or avoid driving if they haven’t gotten enough sleep.
Renew your Scoring Manual subscription today for multi-platform digital access
Keep your subscription current for The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events and receive multi-platform digital access to this essential sleep scoring resource.
Seats are limited for SLEEP 2015 postgraduate courses
Register today for one or more of the SLEEP 2015 postgraduate courses, some of which are selling out quickly!
Depression and insomnia are strongest risk factors for frequent nightmares
A new study published in the April issue of the journal Sleep suggests that symptoms of depression and insomnia are the strongest predictors of having frequent nightmares.
CMS is holding Medicare claims beginning on April 1
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it is holding Medicare claims for a short period of time beginning on April 1.
NIMH releases new strategic plan for research
Last week the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) issued a new Strategic Plan for Research, updating the strategic objectives of its 2008 predecessor with the aim of balancing the need for long-term investments in basic research with urgent mental health needs.
AHRQ seeks nominations for U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) welcomes nominations for new members to serve four-year terms on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Study supports use of apnea-hypopnea index as marker of blood pressure risk
A study in the April issue of SLEEP reports that the apnea-hypopnea index was consistently associated with systolic blood pressure level, and both the AHI and periodic limb movement index were significantly associated with diastolic blood pressure level.
Study links nightmare frequency to depression and insomnia
According to a study published in the April issue of SLEEP, symptoms of depression and insomnia were the strongest predictors of frequent nightmares.
Support SGR repeal by contacing your Senators’ offices today
Last week the U.S. House of Representatives opted to set aside partisan politics in favor of common-sense legislation (H.R. 2) that would repeal Medicare’s flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). While the House chose action over gridlock, the U.S. Senate has tabled the SGR repeal until they return from recess on April 13.
Train operator admits falling asleep prior to accident at O’Hare station
The National Transportation Safety Board recently opened the accident docket for its ongoing investigation into a March 24, 2014, accident involving a Chicago Transit Authority passenger train.
Prep for the sleep medicine board exam with essential readings
A must-have resource that will help you prepare for the sleep medicine certification exam is the Essential Readings in Sleep Medicine, which highlights selected manuscripts that relate to every category of the updated blueprint (July 2013) for the American Board of Medical Specialties exam in sleep medicine.
Navigate the transition to ICD-10-CM with help from the AASM
As your preparations for the transition to ICD-10 continue, ensure the most accurate code is quickly at hand by using the ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM Sleep Medicine Crosswalk.
Register for lunch sessions at SLEEP 2015
Secure your space today for the popular Meet the Professor and Lunch Debate sessions during SLEEP 2015!https://sleepmeeting.org/attendees/sleep-2015-registration/ticketed-sessions
Medscape article highlights new AASM quality measures for sleep medicine
The development of new quality measures by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine is the first step to help evaluate the quality of care for five common sleep disorders, reports Medscape in an online article posted March 31.
URGENT: Contact your Senators to urge SGR repeal
As of this morning, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved common-sense legislation to permanently repeal Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). Contact your Senators today and urge them to vote to repeal the SGR.
Hypnogram: It’s time AGAIN to repeal the SGR
On April 1, 2015, physicians will face a 21% cut in Medicare payments due to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). With just one week until the SGR unleashes irreparable damage, and with Congress preparing to break for a two-week recess at the end of this week, the time for action is now.
Review examines relationship between sleep disorders and COPD
A review in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine summarizes the prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of sleep disorders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Study links poor sleep quality to physical disability in older adults
A study of community-dwelling older adults published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found an independent association between poor sleep quality and physical disability, which was defined as difficulty in performing basic activities of daily life.
Dr. Phyllis Zee to present the 2015 Tom Roth Lecture of Excellence
One of the highlights of SLEEP 2015 will be the Tom Roth Lecture of Excellence, which will be presented by Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, on Wednesday, June 10.
Give the gift of sleep to children with the AASM picture books
Make these beautifully illustrated, hardcover picture books from the AASM a fun and thoughtful gift for the children in your life!
Start your Board Review prep and earn CME
Start preparing for the 2015 Sleep Medicine Certification Exam by purchasing the AASM Sleep Medicine Board Review Course Series of 20 online learning modules.
Members receive FREE access to MOC modules starting April 1
Starting April 1, the AASM Maintenance of Certification program will offer free modules exclusively to AASM members.
Fulfill your CME requirements through SLEEP and JCSM
One of the benefits included with your AASM membership is the ability to earn 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for each issue of the journal SLEEP and the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Cast your vote in AASM leadership election by Friday, March 27
The deadline for AASM regular, fellow and emeritus members to vote in the 2015 leadership election is 5 p.m. CDT on Friday, March 27.