President's Blog - March 2019

Dear SBSM Members,

Part of the SBSM’s mission is to increase awareness about the importance of sleep and help educate the public about healthy sleep habits.   To help accomplish this, the SBSM has partnered with other sleep organizations in various efforts to bring attention to these issues.  The SBSM has signed onto a letter of support with the SRS, to request that the CDC replace the sleep funding that was cut and which would include some funds for sleep surveillance at a national level. Additionally, information from the Pediatric Sleep Council about Baby Sleep Day on March 1^st was sent to members to spread the word about an opportunity for families to ask questions of pediatric sleep experts from around the world on Facebook throughout the day.  Finally, the SBSM is also collaborating with the AASM and the American Alliance for Healthy Sleep to promote "Insomnia Awareness Day" on March 11 (the day after daylight savings time).   While there is still much work to be done, these partnerships bring strength in numbers that reach more people and key groups outside of our organizations to the benefit of all.

Planning for the First Annual Scientific Conference to be held on September 12-15 at the amazing Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort in Birmingham is almost complete.  A brochure of events has been posted and registration for the meeting has just opened.   Reminder:  the deadline for proposals for posters, workshops and symposia has been extended to March 28^th.  We hope to see you there!

Donna Arand, PhD
President, SBSM