The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides educational support, development of research methods and treatment options and accreditation for sleep disorder centers all over the United States. Established in 1975 by the Association of Sleep Disorders Center, the AASM is one of the largest professional medical societies to focus on sleep medicine and the treatment of sleep disorders.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine works on a five-tiered approach to supporting and advancing the research and treatment of sleep disorders. Each area of focus is essential to funding new ideas, new research methods, establishing treatment centers and increasing public awareness.
Reliable medical information on the causes of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and sleep deprivation is just one facet of the AASM's mission. Through peer-reviewed journals, professional standards of accreditation and a commitment to excellence, the AASM ultimately seeks to help everyone get a good night's rest.
Accreditation
Prior to the formation of the AASM, no uniform accreditation process existed for sleep treatment centers and clinics. Through the development of standards in practices and techniques, the AASM assures that sleep disorder patients will receive the highest quality health care whether they see a doctor of sleep medicine in one location or another. The AASM maintains a searchable database of their accredited sleep centers and clinics.
Awareness
One goal of the AASM is to educate the public to the health-related dangers of sleep disorders. They accomplish this goal through pamphlets and public awareness spots on television and in the media. Sleep Education is a public education and awareness web site launched by the AASM in 2005. The site provides answers to many frequently asked questions and problems associated with sleep disorders, treatments for sleep disorders and the types of services provided by physicians and sleep treatment centers.
Education
Awareness is one method of educating the public about sleep disorders and related health concerns. The AASM also focuses on professional education for physicians and other professionals who treat sleep disorders. The AASM works in conjunction with the Sleep Research Society to organize an annual conference of the top professionals in the fields in order to promote discussion of the latest treatments in forums whether other doctors and clinicians can learn.
Professional Sleep Medicine
While the American Academy of Sleep Medicine does not directly treat patients who suffer from sleep disorders, they provide the resources, standards, accreditations and education for the physicians and clinicians who do treat the patients. The AASM is devoted to providing patients with the best possible care and to making sure that all sleep medicine professionals and physicians have the best possible resources.
Organizations like the AASM help increase public understanding of sleep apnea and insomnia. It also educates the public that snoring is more than just a nuisance - that it can be a symptom of a more serious problem. Public service and public health are goals the AASM strives to meet.
.
