NSF to hold Sleep Health & Safety conference in Washington

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) will hold its annual Sleep Health & Safety conference March 2-3, 2012 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC.

"Sleep Health & Safety is the only conference that convenes primary care physicians with researchers, thought leaders and policy makers in sleep science, public health and safety. The NSF's Sleep Health & Safety 2012 conference advances the state of sleep health diagnosis and treatment and explores the intersection of sleep health and public policy," says Russell Rosenberg, PhD, Chair of the NSF.

Sleep Health & Safety's health care professional track is designed as a continuing medical education course for primary care physicians and other health care professionals, including sleep technologists and nurses. It is a practical overview of the diagnosis and treatment of sleep problems and disorders in all ages and populations. The National Sleep Foundation is jointly sponsoring the clinical track with the University of Virginia School of Medicine to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credits-.

"Sleep problems are one of the most common patient complaints to physicians, but few opportunities for continuing education exist. This course fills this important gap," says Dr. James Pagel, Program Chair and co-editor of Primary Care Sleep Medicine: A Practical Guide.

Sleep Health & Safety's public health and safety track will explore the intersection of current sleep health with public policy, such as how fatigue affects work schedules and transportation safety.

"Sleep affects every biological function, and we know that millions of people are feeling the next day effects of poor sleep," says Joseph Ojile, MD, Chair of the NSF Education Committee. "This program is the leading one to examine how fatigue affects work and transportation safety. It is important for those in public health, policy and medicine to attend."

Abstracts on the latest research on sleep science and its association to public policy and related topics are being accepted now through November 11, 2011.

Exhibitors will showcase the latest products and services from a variety of sleep-related companies.