SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Untreated sleep apnea, a condition that affects one in five Americans[1], can have dire health consequences. Sleep apnea is manageable through therapy, but because successful therapy is so individualized, getting to the right solution can be daunting. Learning from other patients' stories can be critical to success, and a new effort launched today brings new sleep apnea patients together with these therapy veterans.
The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA), the leading national patient organization for the condition and Wake Up to Sleep (WakeUpToSleep.com), an online patient support community, are launching an educational initiative to wake Americans up to the dangers of untreated sleep apnea and the treatment options available to improve their quality of life. The ASAA offers a comprehensive set of resources for those searching for information, and Wake Up to Sleep has one-on-one sleep coaches for those who have been newly diagnosed with sleep apnea or those who are struggling to control it. The joint initiative features a series of educational events leading up to Sleep Apnea Awareness Day on April 18th including a Twitter chat, discussion and the opportunity to submit video and written patient testimonials showcasing their treatment success.
"Sleep apnea is a treatable disease, yet it goes undiagnosed in a high percentage of the population. Our goal is to put sleep apnea to bed and educate patients about how they can live a happier, more productive life with an effective sleep apnea treatment regimen," says Edward Grandi , executive director of the American Sleep Apnea Association.
The educational initiative kicks off today: Activities include:
- March 20, 2013: Twitter chat #SleepApneaChat, 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) Q&A featuring Edward Grandi , executive director, American Sleep Apnea Association; William Headapohl , Wake Up to Sleep coach and American Sleep Apnea Association board member; Adam Amdur , American Sleep Apnea Association board chair and patient advocate; Michael Breus , Ph.D., "The Sleep Doctor".
- April 10, 2013: Sleep Apnea discussion, 8:00 – 9:00 PM ET (5:00 – 6:00 PM PT) "Waking America Up to Sleep Apnea" will feature a discussion, led by Edward Grandi , about sleep apnea and how people at risk for or living with sleep apnea can ask the right questions and become more involved in their own health.
- April 18, 2013: "Faces of Sleep Apnea"video launch. A compilation of videos will tell the story of the patient experience and be distributed to engage and educate those with sleep apnea and the public. Visit https://www.wakeuptosleep.com/waking-america-up-to-sleep-apnea/ to submit and view inspiring success stories and access additional resources about sleep apnea.
About the American Sleep Apnea Association:
The American Sleep Apnea Association, founded in 1990, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of sleep apnea, works for continuing improvements in treatments for this serious disease, and advocates for the interests of sleep apnea patients.
The American Sleep Apnea Association is dedicated to reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and to enhancing the well-being of those affected by this common disorder. The ASAA promotes education and awareness, the ASAA A.W.A.K.E. Network of voluntary mutual support groups, research, and continuous improvement of care. To learn more, visit www.sleepapnea.org.
About Wake Up to Sleep:
Wake Up to Sleep is a comprehensive sleep apnea support community intended to help people along their entire journey—from awareness to diagnosis to successful treatment. Through the Wake Up to Sleep community, patients can be matched with a personal sleep coach who can be their sleep apnea resource by answering questions and providing support along their journey. www.WakeUpToSleep.com
Contact:
Julia Baron
Canale Communications on behalf of Wake Up to Sleep
(619) 849-5388
Julia@canalecomm.com
Edward Grandi
American Sleep Apnea Association
888-293-3650
egrandi@sleepapnea.org
[1] Young et al. J Am Med Assoc 2004
SOURCE www.WakeUpToSleep.com
RELATED LINKS
https://www.wakeuptosleep.com
http://www.sleepapnea.org
Source: www.prnewswire.com
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