New Research in Sleep Medicine Presented at APSS Annual Meeting

5/25/2004

From: Gina Virgilio of Associated Professional Sleep Societies, at 708-492-0930 or gvirgilio@aasmnet.org

News Advisory:

What: Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) 18th Annual Meeting

Where: Philadelphia Convention Center

When: June 7 to 10, 2004

Press Highlights:

The APSS 18th Annual Meeting will feature 940 abstract presentations, 237 speakers, 51 "Meet-the-Professor" sessions, 20 symposia, and 3 clinical workshops. These sessions will feature cutting-edge research and developments in all areas of sleep medicine:

-- Women and Sleep

Women often tackle multiple responsibilities, including home, family, and work, and sleep is paramount as it affects concentration, performance, mood and social interaction. New research presented at the Annual Meeting will shed light on sleep issues, patterns, and needs specific to women.

-- Pediatric Sleep Medicine

Sleep is essential to the process of growth and development of infants, and remains important throughout childhood and adolescence. As children and teens have access to more technology, face increasing demands at school, and assume greater social roles, their total sleep time decreases and, as a result, has an impact of their behavior and health. New information about common and rare sleep disorders in children and the effects of sleep loss will be presented at the Annual Meeting.

-- Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep Deprivation affects adults and children from all walks of life. The effects of chronic sleep deprivation are cumulative, and even moderate sleep restriction can cause impairment. New research sheds light on how even minimal sleep deprivation can affect our daily functioning.

-- Sleep and Cancer

Living with cancer can leave one with a lack of energy and decreased daily functioning. These symptoms can persist years after the initial treatment or diagnosis and have a significant effect on the patient. New research that will be presented at the Annual Meeting draws correlations between cancer and sleep.

-- Insomnia

Insomnia affects 30 to 40 percent of all adults in the course of any year, and is the number one sleep complaint of adults. As individuals suffering from insomnia know, the condition has a significant impact on their work, physical, and social performance, as well as overall quality of life. Moreover, insomniacs have poor sleep practices that may aggravate and or perpetuate their insomnia. New research about the detrimental effects of insomnia will be presented through lectures and abstract presentations.

-- Dreams

We all dream. That is why researchers are continually trying to understand why, how, and when we dream, and why we remember some dreams and not others.

At the meeting, new information about the relationship of dreams and habitual sleep length, logic, and more will be outlined to explain the dream process.

For additional information about or to register for the APSS 18th Annual Meeting, contact Gina Virgilio at 708-492-0930, or gvirgilio@aasmnet.org.