The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine is now publishing under the Springer Nature imprint, marking a new chapter for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s clinical journal and the latest step in a 20-year evolution.
The partnership places JCSM within Springer Nature’s global portfolio of medical journals and expands the journal’s reach, visibility, and impact for clinicians and researchers in sleep medicine. The relaunch follows several years of strategic assessment focused on how the journal can continue to attract high-quality, clinically relevant research.
“Through AASM’s partnership with Springer Nature, we are excited to expand the visibility and reach of JCSM while continuing to provide our members with a trusted, high-quality resource dedicated to advancing sleep medicine and enhancing patient care,” said AASM President Anita V. Shelgikar, MD, MHPE.
JCSM was first conceived in 2004, when the AASM Board of Directors identified the need for a journal dedicated to clinical sleep medicine. The journal published its first issue on Jan. 15, 2005, with Stuart F. Quan, MD, serving as its founding editor. Initially a quarterly print publication mailed to members, the journal grew quickly as submissions increased.
By 2007, JCSM expanded to six issues per year and was indexed in MEDLINE, making its articles discoverable through PubMed. The journal transitioned to an online-only format in 2010 and received its first impact factor in 2012, further establishing its role in scientific literature. In 2013, JCSM moved to a monthly publication schedule.
Nancy A. Collop, MD, was appointed editor in 2015 and led the journal through a period of continued growth and modernization, including the launch of a redesigned website and journal brand. At her request, the AASM Board of Directors approved the journal’s first strategic planning effort, which concluded with the adoption of a strategic plan in 2024.
A key outcome of that process was the decision to pursue a publishing partnership to support the journal’s long-term goals. After a competitive review process, Springer Nature was selected as JCSM’s publisher, with the transition completed in late 2025.
As part of the relaunch, JCSM has refined its editorial focus, with increased emphasis on original research and review articles and changes to article types and editorial board expectations. These updates are designed to strengthen the author experience and support timely, high-impact publication.
Safwan Badr, MD, began his five-year term as editor on Jan. 1, 2025, leading the journal as it enters this new phase. With its relaunch under Springer Nature, JCSM builds on its history while positioning itself for the next stage of clinical sleep medicine publishing.
“A world-class society deserves a world-class journal, so it is my aim to make JCSM the premier publication for sleep and circadian science,” said Dr. Badr.
More information about the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine can be found on Springer Nature’s website.
