AASM PAC update
Over the last few months, I have had the proud honor to serve as the Vice Chairman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Political Action Committee (AASM PAC).
Negative expiratory pressure (NEP) is a simple method to assess upper airway collapsibility
NEP application while awake in the supine position with a nasal mask may be a simple and promising method that correlates with the anatomical component of upper airway collapsibility in patients being assessed for OSA, according to a new study in the October 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Flumazenil may be beneficial for some patients with treatment-refractory sleepiness
A new study in the October 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine demonstrates that sublingual and transdermal flumazenil may be beneficial to patients with treatment-refractory hypersomnolence.
AASM analysis of Presidential election and key Congressional races
In our final article in the 2016 Election Coverage, the AASM keeps our members up-to-date on the latest polls for the Presidency, and recent polls tracking nine U.S. Senate races of note and the expected make-up of the U.S. House of Representatives.
RUC survey of HSAT codes — please participate if selected
AASM members may be called upon to complete these important surveys, which will help the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services assign accurate reimbursement rates for home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) services.
New website provides pediatric sleep info for parents and caregivers
A new website recently launched by the Pediatric Sleep Council, babysleep.com, provides accurate, free and up-to-date information on sleep in young children for parents and caregivers.
Volunteer as a SLEEP 2017 abstract reviewer
The Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC (APSS) invites AASM members to volunteer as an abstract reviewer for SLEEP 2017, the 31st Annual Meeting of the APSS.
Record number of applicants participate in 2017 sleep medicine fellowship training program match
The AASM congratulates the 130 doctors who found out yesterday that they were matched with a sleep medicine fellowship training program through the Specialties Matching Service, which is administered by the National Resident Matching Program.
AASM seeks nominees for Board of Directors and Nominating Committee
As the sleep medicine field continues to evolve, the AASM requires strong leaders to set the strategic direction for the organization. The AASM invites qualified members to nominate themselves to be considered for positions that will be opening in 2017 on the AASM Board of Directors and AASM Nominating Committee.
Study finds that sleep apnea therapy has positive impact on hypertensive patients
A new study shows that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for sleep apnea may have a positive impact on sleep-related functional outcomes among patients who also suffer from hypertension.
ABSM Junior Faculty Research Award application deadline is Dec. 19
The awards will include research expenses such as salary support, supplies and overhead for the awardee.
Visit the Evolve Sleep website for the latest MACRA resources
The implementation of MACRA and the QPP will have a significant impact on Medicare payment for years to come.
Match Day for sleep medicine fellowships is Wednesday, Nov. 2
It’s less than one week until Match Day on Nov. 2, when sleep medicine fellowships will be announced for the 2017 appointment year through the Specialties Matching Service administered by the National Resident Matching Program.
AAP releases updated recommendations for safe infant sleep and media-free bedtimes
Earlier this week the American Academy of Pediatrics released an updated policy statement for a safe infant sleeping environment.
National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project urges teens to recharge with sleep as daylight saving time ends
More than two-thirds of high school students in the U.S. are failing to get sufficient sleep on school nights, according to a 2016 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Oklahoma sleep study hearing scheduled for Oct. 27
On Thursday, October 27, the Oklahoma State Legislature’s Public Health Committee will hold a hearing, during which it will discuss a study proposal addressing the cost of sleep studies and their impact on state health care expenditures.
Study shows positive impact of PAP therapy for hypertensive patients with SDB
A new study in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that PAP therapy may have a positive impact on patients that suffer from sleep disordered breathing as well as hypertension.
AASM members share expertise and insight with local and national news media
Recent news coverage of sleep-related topics has included comments and remarks from AASM members who have helped raise awareness of the importance of healthy sleep.
CMS finalizes MACRA Rule on Quality Payment Program implementation
On Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its ruling on the implementation of the Quality Payment Program (QPP) established under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).
In Memoriam: Sleep research pioneer Laverne C. Johnson, PhD
The AASM regrets to announce the recent death of Laverne “Vern” C. Johnson, PhD, who was one of the founders of sleep research.
Anthropometric and dental measurements in children may identify risk for OSA
Children with OSA have significantly larger waist and hip circumferences, lower neck-waist ratios, and narrower first and second deciduous and first permanent molar intertooth distances compared to nonsnoring controls, reports a new study in the September issue of the Journal of Clincal Sleep Medicine.
Study treating insomnia patients with suvorexant shows success
A study in the September issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that suvorexant 20/15 mg improved sleep onset and maintenance over 3 months of nightly treatment and was generally safe and well tolerated.
AASM seeks sleep physician to conduct accreditation site visits on West Coast
The AASM seeks an experienced board-certified sleep physician to perform professional site visits as part of the sleep facility and independent sleep medicine practice accreditation processes.
UMass Nursing receives $1.23 million NIH grant to study fatigue and sleep in chronic illness
The College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently was awarded a five-year, $1.23 million grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research to create a new center where scientists will develop technologies to help people with chronic illness manage fatigue and impaired sleep.
New Fitbit Research Library includes links to studies that gathered sleep data
As of Sept. 23, 2016, 23 of 112 identified publications that used a Fitbit gathered sleep data for analysis.