CONTACT: Lynn Celmer, 630-737-9700, ext. 9364, lcelmer@aasm.org
DARIEN, IL–Setting clocks back an hour this weekend (2:00 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 4) creates an opportunity for millions of sleep-deprived Americans, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
“The time change is more than turning the clock back,” says Dr. Sam Fleishman, a board certified sleep physician who serves as AASM president. “It’s a once a year opportunity to reset your body clock for an extra hour of sleep every night.”
AASM’s new website — www.sleepeducation.com — explains how to use this opportunity to reset your body clock and find help for many sleep problems.
It’s common knowledge, says Fleishman, that you can get an extra hour of sleep on the night we turn the clocks back. You can make this change permanent by maintaining the earlier bedtime on a nightly basis.
“Adding an hour to your nightly sleep is the best opportunity to make sleep a priority in your life,” he says.
Self-discipline isn’t the only challenge to getting a good, healthy night’s sleep. AASM reports there is an epidemic of sleep illness across the country. As many as 70 million people experience sleep problems ranging from occasional insomnia to life threatening illnesses like sleep apnea or narcolepsy, according to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. “Seeing a board certified sleep physician is critical to getting the help you need,” says Fleishman.
“Whether you’re just trying to get another hour of sleep, or you’re ready to get a doctor’s help for a serious sleep illness,” says Fleishman, “this is an opportunity to reduce daytime sleepiness and improve your quality of life.”
The AASM’s public website, www.sleepeducation.com has resources for people who want to improve the quality of their lives by sleeping better. The site includes a searchable listing of board certified sleep physicians and accredited sleep centers capable of diagnosing and managing sleep illness. Also featured are tips to manage your sleep in advance of the time change and brief resource videos that provide patient-friendly information.
To arrange an interview with an AASM spokesperson, please contact Communications Coordinator Lynn Celmer at 630-737-9700, ext. 9364, or lcelmer@aasm.org.
The AASM is a professional membership society that is the leader in setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research (www.aasm.org)
