The purpose of the conference is to develop an action plan for implementing clinical practice changes and for expanding individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and sleep-related behaviors to improve public health and quality of life. Sponsored by the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR), "Frontiers of Knowledge in Sleep & Sleep Disorders " Opportunities for Improving Health and Quality of Life," will draw more than 500 health care providers, public health and education experts, policy makers, patient advocates, sleep medicine specialists, and others. NCSDR (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/sleep) is administered by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"The depth and breadth of sleep problems is not fully appreciated in this country," U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona said. "Chronic sleep loss and untreated sleep disorders have a profound impact on Americans of all ages -- they affect 70 million Americans and cost our nation $15 billion in health care expenses. It is essential that we get the public and health care professionals talking about sleep and the effects of insufficient sleep and sleep disorders, so they can take the necessary steps to avoid the dangers of poor sleep and benefit from improved health and well-being."
This innovative, two-day program will also look at
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Contact: NHLBI Communications Office
301-496-4236
NIH/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
25-Mar-2004