For Immediate Release

Contact: info@stopsarcoidosis.org

THE FOUNDATION FOR SARCOIDOSIS RESEARCH SUPPORTS
2005 NATIONAL SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK

Chicago, IL (29 March 2005) – Millions of Americans are not getting the sleep they need – between seven and nine hours each night. Poor sleep takes a toll on nearly every aspect of our lives, from our personal relationships with friends and family to our performances in the workplace according to a new poll released by the National Sleep Foundation.

Results also indicate a clear relationship between sleep and health and patients with sarcoidosis, a potentially fatal inflammatory disease that often affects the lungs, should pay particular attention to sleep habits.

NSF’s Sleep in America poll finds that adults diagnosed with common medical conditions, like lung diseases, say they rarely get a good night’s sleep. These patients are nearly twice as likely to experience frequent daytime sleepiness as those who do not have the conditions. And those with diagnosed medical problems are also more likely to be at risk for Restless Legs Syndrome, insomnia and sleep apnea.

"Our data shows that when sleep is poor or inadequate, people feel tired or fatigued, their social and intimate relationships suffer, work productivity is negatively affected and they make our roads more dangerous by driving while sleepy and less alert,” said Richard L. Gelula, NSF’s chief executive officer.

NSF released the Sleep in America poll as part of the 2005 National Sleep Awareness Week campaign which culminates with the return of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, April 3rd. For many, moving the clock forward means ‘losing’ an hour of sleep. For those who are already getting less sleep than they need, like many patients with sarcoidosis, it is important to try to avoid an additional hour of sleep loss.

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research has partnered with the NSF again this year as a Sleep Awareness Co-Sponsor and recommends that sarcoidosis patients try to sleep more than usual a few nights prior to and immediately following the time change and to take a nap in the afternoon on Sunday if needed, but not within a few hours of regular bedtime. Napping too close to bedtime can disrupt nighttime sleep.

“FSR is pleased to join with the National Sleep Foundation as a Co-Sponsor of National Sleep Week,” said FSR President Andrea Wilson, herself a sarcoidosis patient. “Sleep Week is a good reminder that for those of us with chronic diseases, there are simple steps we can all take such as keeping consistent bed and wake times and following a regular bedtime routine that can promote better sleep throughout the year.”

Good Health Habits that Promote Sleep

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.

• Tobacco can endanger your health and should not be used. It also contains nicotine which has stimulating effects and may keep you awake.

• Exercise, but do so 3-6 hours before bedtime.

• Do not go to bed too full or too hungry.

Good Sleep Practices that Promote Sleep

• Maintain a regular sleep and wake time every day, even on weekends.

• Establish a regular bedtime routine. Try a relaxing activity before getting into bed – avoid an alerting ‘brain activating’ or stressful task close to bedtime.

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.

• Use a mattress and pillow that provide comfort.

FSR works with the National Sleep Foundation as an annual Sleep Awareness Co-Sponsor. For more information on how you can minimize sleep loss, improve your sleep and recognize the signs of treatable sleep disorders, visit NSF's Web site at www.sleepfoundation.org.

The National Sleep Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting education, sleep-related research and advocacy.

The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to improving care for patients and to finding a cure for this disease. Since 2000, FSR has worked to position sarcoidosis as a growing problem on the U.S. health care agenda and established itself as the authoritative resource for patients, health professionals and the public.