DOES A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP SOUND LIKE A DREAM? TAKE THE NSF AND CLINILABS’ SLEEP DISORDERS INSTITUTE’S GREAT AMERICAN SLEEP CHALLENGE™ AND BE ON YOUR WAY TO BETTER SLEEP!
The NSF and Clinilabs’ Sleep Disorders Institute’s Great American Sleep Challenge Includes Games and Activities to Teach Americans How to Avoid Sleep Thieves and Sleep Well for Life
— The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and Clinilabs’ Sleep Disorders Institute announce the second annual NSF and Clinilabs’ Sleep Disorders Institute’s Great American Sleep Challengeä, a fun and interactive online campaign designed to teach Americans that healthy sleep starts with adopting sleep-savvy habits and creating an ideal sleep environment. The Sleep Challenge launch will coincide with the release of NSF’s 2008 Sleep in America poll results on March 3. Millions of Americans are not getting the sleep they need; the poll results will confirm this…the Sleep Challenge will help you learn about getting better Zzzzs to improve alertness, health and safety!
The Sleep Challenge, which begins on March 3, 2008, and continues through March 31, 2008, is an integral part of National Sleep Awareness Week® (NSAW), which takes place March 3-9, 2008. Now in its second year, the 2008 Sleep Challenge campaign has something for everyone — offering a virtual arcade of sleep-related games, activities and educational materials.
"The NSF and Clinilabs’ Sleep Disorders Institute’s Great American Sleep Challenge is an easy and memorable way to learn about creating a proper sleep environment as well as healthy sleep habits and behaviors," said Darrel Drobnich, NSF’s Chief Executive Officer (Acting). "By taking the Sleep Challenge, participants will learn how to improve their sleep and alertness by playing games, testing their sleep IQs, and reading about sleep and health online. Everyone is encouraged to share their newly acquired sleep skills by sending e-cards to friends, work colleagues, and family. It’s educational and fun at the same time."
Starting with an activity called "Recreate Your Bedroom," Sleep Challenge participants decide what to include in an online sleep environment, choosing from items such as a comfortable mattress, black out shades, a television set and even a snoring bed partner. As they build their virtual bedroom, interesting facts pop up and sound effects play as products are chosen. At the end of the activity, they are given a score and find out whether they are a “Sleep Zombie,” a “So-So Sleeper,” or a “Sleep Savvy Sage” based on the selections chosen for their bedrooms.
Another new feature of the 2008 Sleep Challenge is a game called "Find the Sleep Stealers." Visitors will view a cluttered room filled with both sleep-friendly and sleep-stealing items. With a timer ticking, they are challenged to remove the sleep stealers from the bedroom in 35 seconds or less. At the end of the game, they can choose from an array of NSF and Clinilabs’ Sleep Disorders Institute’s educational resources to improve their knowledge of sleep and alertness.
By taking part in either (or both!) of the challenges, everyone who plays is entered into a raffle and has the chance to win the grand prize, a luxurious RhapsodyBed by Tempur-Pedic. Other prizes include sets of Wamsutta 500 Sateen sheets and Wamsutta Magic Gel pillows, the ultimate in comfort for the lavish bed.
Educational materials for the 2008 Sleep Challenge are organized into seven themed days designed to teach visitors about specific sleep disorders and problems. All of the resources and activities are accessible at any time during NSAW and throughout the Sleep Challenge. NSF and Clinilabs’ Sleep Disorders Institute have worked with several of their organizational partners to see that each day offers a unique learning experience in a variety of formats, including online quizzes, downloadable articles, posters and fact sheets. Participants will also have an opportunity to spread the word about healthy sleep to friends, family, and colleagues through e-cards specially designed for each day of the week.
The seven days of the Sleep Challenge are:
- Monday Morning Blues – with educational content focused on the link between sleep problems and mood
- Too Tired Tuesday – highlights the causes and consequences of sleep deprivation, a common problem for Americans of all ages
- Eyes Wide Shut Wednesday – focuses on insomnia risk factors, prevention and treatment
- Snore No More Thursday – highlights the health risks associated with snoring and sleep apnea, a serious sleep and breathing disorder
- Restless Friday – teaches participants about restless legs syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move one’s legs
- Suddenly Sleepy Saturday – offers tips for recognizing and coping with narcolepsy, a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness
- Rise and Shine Sunday – focuses on the causes and consequences of daytime sleepiness
Visit www.sleepfoundation.org/challenge to learn more about NSF's Great American Sleep Challenge and www.sleepfoundation.org/nsaw to learn more about National Sleep Awareness Week.
The Sleep Disorders Institute is an accredited diagnostic and treatment center that is dedicated to the care of adults and children with disorders of sleep and wakefulness. The Institute provides evaluation and treatment services for people with sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and other conditions. The Institute is staffed by board-certified specialists with primary specialties in neurology, psychiatry, pulmonary and critical care medicine, and cardiology. The Institute is a regional Center of Excellence that is affiliated with New York’s finest hospitals. It is dedicated to serving patients who suffer from all forms of sleep disorders, offering the highest quality of care available today. For more information on the Sleep Disorders Institute, please visit www.sleepny.com.
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving greater understanding of sleep and sleep disorders. NSF furthers its mission through sleep-related education, research, and advocacy initiatives. NSF’s membership includes researchers and clinicians focused on sleep medicine as well as other professionals in the health, medical and science fields, individuals, patients and more than 800 sleep clinics throughout North America that join the Foundation’s Community Sleep Awareness Partners program. For more information, visit, www.sleepfoundation.org.
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