Study links sleep disorders to increased risk of autoimmune diseases
A study in the April issue of SLEEP found that people with sleep disorders other than sleep apnea had a significantly higher risk for incident autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, supporting a bidirectional relationship between sleep disorders and autoimmune diseases.
SLEEP 2015 abstract supplement is now online
Now available online is the SLEEP 2015 abstract book, which is published as a supplement of the journal SLEEP. This comprehensive resource includes more than 1,200 abstracts that will be presented both orally and through posters at SLEEP 2015 in Seattle.
Advocate for the sleep medicine profession using new AASM Advocacy Toolkit
Do you have innovative ideas on health policy? Do you want to assure that “sleep” is spoken about at the political table?
AASM meets with NIH to promote sleep medicine health services research
Last week AASM leadership conducted productive meetings with several institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Contact your Senator today to support the SGR repeal
After tabling debate on a permanent repeal to Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), the U.S. Senate is back from recess. Today, the Senate must pass a full repeal or patch of the SGR before physicians will face a 21% payment cut for treating Medicare patients.
AASM supports AGS-NIA conference on sleep and aging
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is providing conference grant support for “Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Aging,” the second in a series of a three-part U13 Bedside to Bench Conference sponsored by the American Geriatrics Society and the National Institute on Aging.
Register for free webinar to get answers to ISR questions
Join the AASM on Wednesday, April 22, at 2 p.m. CDT for a free webinar answering frequently asked questions about the Inter-scorer Reliability assessment system.
Hypnogram: Five sessions to attend at SLEEP 2015
With more than 100 outstanding sessions and new clinical and research tracks, the SLEEP 2015 scientific program presents you with a challenging dilemma: How do you choose which sessions to attend when so many of them pique your interest and spark your curiosity? As you browse the SLEEP 2015 session schedule to plan your itinerary, be sure to take note of these five sessions, all of which are deserving of your attendance.
Healthy Sleep Project urges parents to talk with teens about drowsy driving risks
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and other partners in the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project urge all parents of teen and novice drivers to talk with their children about the risks of drowsy driving.
Study links maternal symptoms of sleep apnea to fetal telomere length
A study in the April issue of SLEEP provides the first evidence demonstrating that fetuses born to mothers at high risk for sleep apnea or habitual snorers had shortened leukocyte telomere length.
Study shows that tongue stiffness is lower in patients with sleep apnea
A study in the April issue of SLEEP found that the stiffness of the tongue in patients with obstructive sleep apnea was approximately 10 percent lower than control subjects during wakefulness even after controlling for age and body mass index.
PBS documentary explores “Quiet Revolution” in health care delivery
A new documentary that was broadcast recently on PBS explores how health care professionals are placing the patient at the center of their practice — transforming the way medical care is delivered while lowering costs and improving outcomes.
MOC modules are now FREE for AASM members
Access to the AASM Maintenance of Certification modules is now included with your AASM membership.
UnitedHealthcare to terminate agreements for inactive providers
The April 2015 UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Network Bulletin details steps the payer will be taking to ensure that its provider directory includes only those providers who are actively treating UnitedHealthcare members.
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.