A study published Tuesday by the BMJ Open linked prescription sleeping pills with a higher death risk in users – even casual users – than in non-users. Critics, including AASM President Nancy Collop, MD, were quick to caution physicians and patients about making any cause-and-effect conclusions from the study. "You cannot assume, just because you find this kind of association, that hypnotics are killing people," Dr. Collop said. "People who go on sleeping pills are a sicker population. I know (this study) tried to control for that, but these people simply are not as healthy."

Each year, the meeting’s networking reception brings together past colleagues and sparks new connections between attendees…all attendees of SLEEP 2012 are encouraged to attend this important event which benefits the American Sleep Medicine Foundation (ASMF) and the Sleep Research Society Foundation (SRSF). This year, the SLEEP 2012 Networking Reception will be held on the evening of Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 6:00pm–7:30pm. Tickets are $50 per person and include an extensive selection of hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, a drink ticket and live music.

The AASM invites members to apply for the Chair position of their primary membership section. Sections provide a forum for members with focused interests to share those interests, discuss ideas, stimulate research and recommend programs that promote education through the AASM.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine invites members to participate in the AASM Board of Directors. This year, members will determine the AASM President-elect and three directors at-large on the AASM Board of Directors. In addition, the members will determine an AASM Nominating Committee representative.

Help shape the future of education and training for sleep technologists by representing the AASM on the Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologist Education (CoA PSG). The CoA PSG is an organization that accredits two-year programs at community colleges for sleep technologist education. These training programs promote high-quality, standardized training for sleep technologists and are integral to the future of the sleep technology profession. Representatives to the CoA PSG will assist with review of applications for program accreditation and help set standards for educational programs. If you are interested in this opportunity, please send a two-page bio sketch to Jordana Money at jmoney@aasmnet.org by March 9, 2012.

The deadline to register for the AASM’s new Basics of Sleep Center Management course is Friday, March 2, 2012. The course, which will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the AASM National Office in Darien, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), will provide individuals new to or interested in becoming involved in the management of a sleep center with a broad overview of sleep center management topics including overview of accreditation, equipment selection, staffing, staff training, finances, marketing, coding and reimbursement.

The AASM recently published practice parameters to guide clinicians in the treatment of central sleep apnea. The article title "The Treatment of Central Sleep Apnea Syndromes in Adults: Practice Parameters with an Evidence-Based Literature Review and Meta-Analysis" appeared in the January issue of the journal SLEEP. The practice parameters are based on a systematic review of the scientific literature that was performed by an expert task force. The article was developed by the AASM Standards of Practice Committee and reviewed and approved by the AASM board of directors.

Renew your AASM membership by Feb. 29 to stay active and continue receiving membership benefits like the Weekly Update, product and course discounts, and online access to the journal Sleep and Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. To prevent membership deactivation and a reinstatement fee, renew online, download a renewal invoice to return via mail or fax, or call the AASM Membership Department at 630-737-9756.

On March 5–16, 2012, the AASM will hold a two-week An Introduction to Sleep Technology: An A-STEP Course at the AASM national office in Darien, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago). Centers interested in sending their new technicians to this course must register on or before Friday, March 2, 2012. During the course—accredited by the AASM as an Accredited Sleep Technologist Education Program (A-STEP) Introductory Course—up to 20 sleep technicians will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge needed to begin a successful career in the field of sleep technology. Attendees of this training program will receive more than $1,000 of course material included with their registration fees, training from expert faculty, more than 30 hours of interactive, hands-on practice exercises and overnight observation at a sleep center.

Present your latest scientific findings at SLEEP 2012. The Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC (APSS) is accepting late-breaking abstract submissions for SLEEP 2012. Abstracts may be submitted from Friday, Feb. 24 through Wednesday, March 21. Late-breaking abstracts will be presented during a scientific session on Wednesday, June 13, 2012, from 12:15pm – 1:30pm. Up to five abstracts will be accepted for oral presentations in which authors will present their high-quality emerging data found between December 2011 and March 2012. Review the late-breaking abstracts submission guidelines online at https://www.sleepmeeting.org/lba.aspx for additional details about participating in this session at SLEEP 2012.