DARIEN, IL – Colorado governor John Hickenlooper has proclaimed that the state of Colorado will recognize Healthy Sleep Awareness Week from June 12-18. During that week, more than 5,000 sleep medicine physicians, sleep researchers and allied health professionals from around the world will gather in Denver for SLEEP 2016, the 30th anniversary meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS).

“As the sleep medicine field continues to evolve, we are happy to see that the state of Colorado is focusing on sleep to improve the overall health of its residents,” said AASM President Dr. Nathaniel F. Watson. “Sleeping at least seven hours per night is a necessity, not a luxury, and the pursuit of healthy sleep should be one of our top priorities. Millions of Americans – more than one-third of the population – do not get enough sleep on a regular basis, which can increase the risk of adverse health outcomes such as weight gain and obesity, hypertension and diabetes.”

The SLEEP meeting, which will take place at the Colorado Convention Center, provides evidence-based education to advance the science and clinical practice of sleep medicine, disseminates cutting-edge sleep and circadian research, promotes the translation of basic science into clinical practice, and fosters the future of the field by providing career development opportunities at all levels.

“Sufficient sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle – along with good nutrition and regular exercise. There’s no avoiding it – you must sleep well to be well,” said Dr. Watson. “Effective treatment of a sleep problem can be life-changing, helping you to be healthier and happier. Colorado’s Healthy Sleep Awareness Week is another great step in the right direction toward better health for Colorado residents.” 

For more information visit www.sleepmeeting.org and projecthealthysleep.org.

About The American Academy of Sleep Medicine 
Established in 1975, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) improves sleep health and promotes high quality patient centered care through advocacy, education, strategic research, and practice standards. The AASM has a combined membership of 11,000 accredited member sleep centers and individual members, including physicians, scientists and other health care professionals. For more information, visit www.aasm.org.