The National Sleep Foundation and Sanofi-Aventis are teaming up on a new campaign called Sleeping Smart. The joint campaign is intended to educate Americans about what causes sleep problems, and how they can be addressed.
Designed to look like a classroom, the Web site includes fact sheets on insomnia and prescription sleep aids, note cards with tips for proper sleep habits, and a “cheat sheet” to help get your sleep routine back on track. Video features are also included featuring experts such as Helene A. Emsellem, MD, of the Center for Sleep and Wake Disorders in Chevy Chase, Md.
Additionally, the Web site offers information on how to approach health care professionals about sleep problems—a hurdle that keeps many sleep disorder sufferers from accessing treatment options.
“More often than not, sleep sufferers are hesitant to talk to their health care professional because of lack of information or they don’t think their problem is serious enough,” says Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, professor from Northwestern University. “Sleeping Smart will address common myths and misperceptions about insomnia, sleep habits, and treatment options to educate and motivate sufferers to address their sleep problems.”
