NATIONAL CENTER ON SLEEP DISORDERS RESEARCH
NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE

Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2001

The 15th meeting of the Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board was convened at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2001, in the Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland. The meeting wasopen to the public from 8:40 a.m. to adjournment at 3:00 p.m. Dr. Emmanuel Mignot presided as Chair.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Attendees
Call to Order
Approval of June 26, 2001 Board Meeting Minutes
Report of the NCSDR Director
Presentation - The Human Brain Project
Presentation - Sleep, Memory and Cognition
Research Subcommittee Report
Education Subcommittee Report
Adjournment
Certification
 

NCSDR Home Page Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board Page

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Dr. Emmanuel Mignot, Chair
Dr. Gregory Belenky (ex officio)
Dr. Gene Block
Dr. Mary Carskadon
Dr. Robert Wolfe-Greene (ex-officio)
Dr. Carl E. Hunt
Dr. Carol Landis
Dr. Israel Lederhendler (ex officio)
Ms. Sandra McGinnis
Dr. Andrew Monjan (ex officio)
Dr. Paul Nichols
Dr. Stuart Quan
Dr. Clifford Saper
Mr. Phillip Williams
Dr. Marian Willinger (ex officio)

LIAISON MEMBERS PRESENT

Dr. Marguerite Evans
Dr. Linda Kennedy
Dr. Mary Leveck
Dr. Roger Rosa
Dr. Bette Siegel
Dr. Ellen Witt

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES PRESENT

Mr. Al Golden, NHLBI
Dr. Karin Helmers, NINR
Dr. Stephen Koslow, NIMH
Mr. S. Gene Mosley, MAPB
Ms. Sue Rogus, NHLBI
Ms. Susan Sagusti, NHLBI
Ms. Ellen Sommer, NHLBI
Dr. Michael Twery, NHLBI

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENT

Ms. Georgianna Bell, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
Dr. Robert Basner, American Thoracic Society
Mr. Lance Brink, American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Dr. Sarah Caddick
Mr. Bob Cloud, Narcolepsy Network
Mr. Darrell Drobnich, National Sleep Foundation
Ms. Christin Engelhart, American Sleep Apnea Association
Ms. Judith Estrin, Prospect Associates
Mr. Dan Foley
Mr. Mickey Kalra, Intellect.Com
Dr. Edward Haponik
Dr. James Pelstrom, NST
Mr. Garrett Randall, APA
Dr. Robert Stickgold, Harvard Medical School
Ms. Teresa Wilson, Prospect Associates
Dr. Michael V. Vitiello, Sleep Research Society

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I. CALL TO ORDER - Dr. Emmanuel Mignot

Dr. Emmanuel Mignot, Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board Chair, called the 15th meeting of the Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board to order at 8:40 a.m. He welcomed the Board members, members of the public, and others in attendance.

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II. APPROVAL OF JUNE 26, 2001 BOARD MEETING MINUTES –Dr. Emmanuel Mignot

Approval of the minutes was moved, seconded and approved unanimously without further discussion

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III. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR, NCSDR – Dr. Carl E. Hunt

Dr.Hunt welcomed the new Board Members:

Dr. Sarah Caddick
Dr. Edward Haponik
Dr. Stuart Quan
Dr. Clifford Saper

This has been a busy period for the NCSDR. Since our last meeting in June, 2001, we have participated in a number of workshops, new initiatives, and public education programs that are briefly summarized below. As also described below, we have appointed a Task Force to revise the Research Plan and a Working Group to develop an outcomes evaluation of our sleep education programs.

Recent Initiatives

Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorders (PA)
Sponsored by NINDS, NHLBI, NIA, NIMH

Sleep & Sleep Disorders in Children (RFA) $12.4 million
Sponsored by NHLBI, NIMH, NINR, NICHD
Applications under review

Interrelationship Between Sleep and Other Disorders (RFA) $12 million
Sponsored by NHLBI and NIDA
Applications due January 24, 2002
Objectives: Identify measurable characteristics of sleep useful for study of sleep and sleep disorders, related to diagnosis, severity, or effectiveness of treatment

Interactions of Genes & Environment in Shaping Risk Factors for Heart, Lung, Blood, or Sleep Disorders (RFA) $36 million
Sponsored by NHLBI
Applications due March 22, 2002
Objectives:
- Identify novel genes which interact with specific environmental exposures to modify risk factors for
heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders
- Genetic aspects of responses to environmental change and related biological mechanisms, using
short-term focused interventions in families
- Identify subgroups based on genotype who are most likely to benefit from targeted environmental interventions to reduce development or progression of heart, lung, blood, or sleep diseases

Sleep Related Workshops Since June 2001

Bioinformatics in Neuroscience and Sleep Research
Sponsors: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Sleep Research Society (SRS), NHLBI
July, 2001
Goals:
- Explore opportunities for bioinformatic approaches to sleep/circadian research
Final report pending

Neurobiology of Sleep and Waking: Implications for Insomnia
Sponsors: CSDR (NHLBI), NIMH, NIA, NIDA, NIAAA
September, 2001
Co-Chairs: Drs. David Dinges and Thomas Roth
Goals:
- Review basic mechanisms for sleep in relation to insomnia
- Identify gaps in understanding of basic mechanisms of insomnia
- Summarize basic science knowledge required for clinical studies or trials
Final report pending

Sleep, Fatigue, and Medical Training: Optimizing Learning and the Patient Care Environment
Sponsors: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; AMA Council on Medical Education; NCSDR (NHLBI)
Sleep Research Society
October, 200
Goals:
- Medical errors, safety in workplace, MV injuries, other health issues
- Memory & Cognition
- Mood, Attention, Stress
Role of NCSDR: Enhanced knowledge base about sleep and sleep disorders for all stakeholders and
participants in policy development
Final report pending

Perspectives on the Role of Sleep in Memory
Sponsor: NIMH (Dr. Lederhendler)
December, 200
Goal:
- Review relationships between sleep and sleep loss on memory, learning and cognition

Sleep-Related Consequences of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Sponsors: NHLBI (NCSDR, Division of Heart and Vascular Disease)
December, 2001
Goals:
- Review pathophysiology, biomechanics, neurological integration, and clinical consequences of TMD
- Review pathophysiology and clinical consequences of sleep-disordered breathing

NIH National Sleep Disorders Plan

Background: Released in March, 1996
Scope: Basic Science: Regulation and function of sleep
Sleep Disorders: Basic and clinical epidemiology, genetics, and prevalence
Effects, cost, treatments
Development of this Research Plan led to substantial growth in research funding by NIH, with a 62% increase in total grant dollars between 1995-96 and FY 2000. Development of the Research Plan also provided direction for extensive public health educational and intervention programs related to sleep and sleep disorders. However, the Research Plan is now more than 5 years old, and there have been substantial advances since 1996 in many disciplines, including genetics and bioinformatics. It is therefore now timely to revise and update the Research Plan
Goals:
- Review accomplishments since 1996
- Identify goals and objectives not yet achieved
- Identify knowledge gaps and new needs/opportunities
- Develop a five-year research plan with prioritized recommendations related to sleep and sleep disorders

Task Force:
Chair: Dr. David White
Members:
Dr. Thomas Balkin
Dr. Gene Block*
Dr. Daniel Buysse
Dr. David Dinges
Dr. David Gozal
Dr. Steve Henriksen
Dr. Hannah Kinney
Dr. Carol Landis*
Dr. Emmanuel Mignot*
Dr. Judith Owens
Dr. Jerry Siegel
Dr. Esther Sternberg
Dr. Debra Weese-Mayer
Dr. Clifford Saper* (Consultant)
*Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board Member

The Process:

Task Force will meet twice, once later this month and again in the late Spring, 2002.With additional
conference calls as needed, the draft of the revised research plan will be written and distributed for
comments by sleep researchscientists, other sleep-related professional organizations, and the public

The Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee and the Sleep Disorders Research Advisory
Board will be actively involved in development of the new plan.

Final approval of the new research plan by the Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board at its June or
December meeting, 2002

Working Group on Sleepiness and Adolescents

Age range 13-22 years

Goals:
- Review normal sleep patterns and consequences of sleep deprivation
- Determine the causes of sleepiness in adolescents and young adults
- Develop continuing education strategies for pediatricians and other pediatric health care providers

Plans:
- Special Session at Fall, 2002 annual meeting of American Academy of Pediatrics
- Consider development of a Position Statement in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics related to sleep health in this age group

Working Group:
Co-Chairs: Dr. David Kaplan and Dr. Richard Millman
Members:
Dr. Mary Carskadon
Dr. Ronald Dahl
Dr. Barbara Howard
Dr. Judy Owens
Dr. Allan Pack
Dr.Suzanne Riggs
Dr. Steve Sheldon
Dr. Amy Wolfson

Staff Support
Dr. Carl E. Hunt
Ms. Sue Rogus
Tammy Hurley (Manager, AAP Committee on Adolescence)

Feasibility Study for Outcome Evaluation of Sleep Education Program

Questions to Address:
- Which program(s) will be most appropriate for cost-effective outcome assessment?
- Which target audiences?
- How to measure baseline knowledge and behavior regarding healthy sleep?
- How to measure extent of program impact and its sustainability?

Working Group:
Chair: Dr. Tom Lasater
Members:
Dr. Neil Bracht
Dr. Mary Carskadon
Dr. Bruce Fuchs
Dr. David W. Kaplan
Dr. Barry Portnoy
Dr. Amalie Ramirez
Dr. Kingman Strohl
Dr. Clare Von Secker

Staff Support
Dr. Carl E. Hunt
Ms. Sue Rogus
Mr. Al Golden

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IV. THE HUMAN BRAIN PROJECT– Dr. Stephen Koslow

Dr. Stephen Koslow, director of the Human Brain Project, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH),
described the Human Brain Project and how it can advance the field of sleep research. According to
Dr. Koslow, the Project was established to enhance the ability to deal with the volume, complexity, and diversity of neuroscience data through cooperative efforts between neuroscience and neuroinformatics (which comprises computer science, physics, and mathematics). The goal is to produce an Internet capability for sharing data.

Dr. Koslow noted the increasing number of neuroscientists in many subspecialties, and the wide range of new technologies (including 3-D brain mapping, electrophysiological studies, and functional imaging) used to examine the enormous complexity of the brain. He said that the success of neuroscience research depends on the rapid access to recent discoveries and the ability to integrate the new Information—which can be enhanced by Web-based research protocols and standards and software to manipulate, analyze, graph, and compare data.

Dr. Koslow traced the development of the Human Brain Project from a recommendation in the 1991 report, Mapping the Brain and its Function: Integrating Enabling Technologies into Neuroscience Research, published by the National Academy Press. This report recommended establishing the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Human Brain Project, with members from many entities of the National Institutes of Health, as well as the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Department of Energy. The Director of NCSDR serves as a member of this Committee and represents NHLBI. The Human Brain Project’s Phase I (feasibility studies) and Phase II (Beta testing) were launched in 1993 and 1999, respectively. Phase III will be implemented in the near future.

The Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee meets monthly to examine current funding of research, and make decisions on grant awards. Projects funded by the Human Brain Project include studies in diverse species at several levels of analysis—molecular, cellular, systems, and the whole brain. Example grants include Probabilistic Reference System for the Human Brain (UCLA); Databases and Data Models Enabling Neuroinformatics (Cornell); and Integration of Multidisciplinary Sensory Data (Yale).Thirty grants have been awarded totaling approximately $15 million (awards range from $250,000 to $1 million). Challenges facing the Human Brain Project include the complexity of neuroscience research and the expense of the research.

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V. SLEEP, MEMORY AND COGNITION – Dr. Robert Stickgold

Dr. Robert Stickgold, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, provided an overview of research on how sleep or lack of sleep affects changes in cognitive performance and memory. These studies range from single-cell recording during sleep to imaging studies of regional activation during and after sleep and studies of the physiology and chemistry of brain changes across the brain and across the night. Although more basic changes in sleep physiology are a function of the sleep cycle, the significance of such changes remains unknown; But more global changes, including variations in neuromodulation across the wake/sleep cycle, and shifts in regional activity during REM and non-REM sleep, suggest a shift from rational to intuitive/emotional processing. In addition, sleep state-dependent shifts in patterns of communication suggest that distinct forms of memory processing occur in different sleep stages.

Dr. Stickgold made the following generalizations based on the results of several studies:

-  Sleep can stabilize or enhance memory.
-  Sleep enhances perceptual learning and motor learning.
-  Sleep preserves performance across the day (when performance might otherwise worsen across the day).
-  Sleep deprivation results in learning and memory impairment.

Dr. Stickgold also reviewed studies of cognitive changes during sleep and studies of the memory systems involved in dreaming. His research on neurocognitive changes during the sleep cycle is investigating the types of cognition affected/altered by sleep (e.g., memory processing, semantic networks); and types of memory affected by sleep (e.g., perceptual and motor skills, complex procedural cognition, and Piagetian accommodation).

In response to questions, Dr. Stickgold said there are descriptive data only (no experimental data) on the cellular and network mechanisms underlying sleep-dependent memory processing. He noted that relevant behavioral research in animals (rats) is restricted to a few labs in Europe and Canada. He added that age-dependent reductions in performance are correlated to age-related reduction in sleep quality.

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VI. RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE -Dr. Emmanuel Mignot ; Dr. Carl E. Hunt

Sleep Research Workshops and Related Issues

Drs. Hunt and Mignot described a number of workshops that have been held since the last Advisory Board meeting (see Director’s Report for additional details).

Neurobiology of Sleep and Waking: Implications for Insomnia Workshop:

This workshop was interrupted by the events of September 11 just before the final presentation and final group discussion. A summary report on the workshop is being prepared. Recommended priorities for new research support for insomnia will likely include: better definition of the clinical phenotypes; defining the interrelationships between insomnia and depression in an epidemiological setting;a better understanding of the mechanisms involved through basic research inanimal models; and seeking data on the long-term safety and efficacy of drug therapy for insomnia.

Sleep and Memory Workshop:

This workshop, moderated by Dr. Howard Eichenbaum, concluded that there is limited research in this area, so new approaches and perspectives are needed. Although a behavioral science framework for the study of sleep and memory exists, there is still a need to better understand the interrelationships and mechanisms related to cognition and sleep.

Bioinformatics in Neuroscience and Sleep Research Workshop:

This workshop was cosponsored by the NCSDR, the Sleep Research Society (SRS), and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), which offered CME credits and published a short meeting summary in its bulletin. The event was Webcast, and a workshop report is being written. Dr. Michael Twery reported that participants included neuroscientists outside the sleep field who discussed neurobiology, genomic approaches, imaging, and clinical problems.They identified many opportunities to apply existing technologies to sleep research.

Cardiovascular and Sleep-Related Consequences of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Workshop:

Dr. Quan, a Board member and one of the workshop participants, reviewed the background for this workshop and the need to better define possible relationships between TMD, sleep, cardiovascular disease (CVD), sensory-motor aspects of upper airway muscles as related to TMD, and neuromotor control of upper airway patency. There are currently no objective data regarding the epidemiology of CVD and sleep in TMD. Researchers might be able to apply the same techniques to the study of the muscles affecting TMD and upper airway patency in sleep apnea. Dr. Hunt noted that there are many opportunities for collaboration between dental researchers interested in TMD disorders and researchers interested in sleep and sleep apnea.

Mechanisms for Disseminating Workshop Results.

The Board discussed the need for enhanced dissemination of workshop results to the scientific community. Some workshop summaries are published in scientific or organization journals, though there is often a time lag. Dr. Hunt will continue to send each workshop summary to the Advisory Board members as soon as possible after each workshop. Some workshops are Webcast and archived, others are live Webcast only, and still others are not Webcast, depending on possible copyright issues and on costs or other relevant issues. As an additional point of information, it was confirmed that workshop summaries will also be placed on the NCSDR Web page and through the Sleep RFA listserv. This listserv can be accessed at http://list.nih.gov/archives/sleeprfa-l.html or through the NCSDR Web site.

Future Workshops

Dr. Mignot asked Board members to suggest topics for future workshops. Two topics were suggested: (1) sleep and circadian rhythms and (2) mechanisms of sleep-disordered breathing. In addition, other topics for workshops were discussed during the next session (Update on Revision of the NCSDR Sleep Research Plan). Dr. Mignot reported that 2 workshops will likely be held between early spring and the end of September, FY 2002 at the end of September: Topics being considered include:

- Mechanisms for CVD complications of Sleep Apnea
- Effects of Sleep Disorders on Adherence to CVD Treatment Recommendations
- Cognitive Sequelae of Risk Factors for CVD

In response to a question about how proposals for workshops are generated, Dr. Hunt said that the process may be initiated by one or more of the Institute representatives on the Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee, or may be in response to input from the research community or from the Advisory Board. The revised Research Plan now in process will likely also play an important role in identifying high priority topics for workshops during the next several years.

Workshop Outcomes

Dr. Mignot noted three possible outcomes: (1) generation of interest/synergy by participants not previously familiar with relevant work in related disciplines, (2) Program Announcements (PAs), and (3) Requests for Applications (RFAs). One success story is the 1999 Dopamine Connection Workshop, which led to a PA and a number of subsequent grant applications.

The following new RFAs/PAs were released since the last Board meeting:

- Interaction of Genes and Environment in Shaping Risk Factors for Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders
- Interrelationship Between Sleep and Heart, Lung, and Blood Diseases
- Cell-based Therapies for Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders and Diseases.

Update on Revision of NCSDR Sleep Research Plan – Dr. Mignot

Dr. Mignot summarized the need to revise the first NCSDR Sleep Research Plan that was released in March, 1996.That plan was of critical importance in identifying new research priorities that have since been implemented as a direct result of the plan’s recommendations. Since the plan is now more than 5 years old, however, it does not adequately represent new opportunities based on new advances; for example, new directions in research at the genetic level related to sleep and to sleep disorders. Theinterdisciplinary task force charged with revising the plan will review, plan, and draft a new research plan that may be ready for final approval as early as the June 2002 Sleep Disorders Advisory Board meeting.

Dr. Mignot asked Board members for their help, and listed the following recent ideas for research, stating the need to prioritize these topics and identify gaps in knowledge:

- Creation of a repository of mice models with sleep abnormalities for distribution
- Creation of a repository of techniques for sleep disorder researchers (e.g., software) for distribution
- Definition of normal sleep in humans across the life span
- Stimulate the development of novel techniques to measure alertness in humans
- Normal values of the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) across the life span
- Effect of chronic sleep deprivation or circadian disruption on general physiology
- Relationship between sleep and other diseases
- Chronic use of hypnotics
- Neuroendocrine aspects of sleep and disorders
- Lipid, obesity and sleep disorders
- Gender gaps in sleep disorders (e.g. OSA and insomnia)
- Imaging the airway in OSA
- Impact of drugs on sleep and sleep disorders
- Sleep and learning
- Restless legs syndrome, genetic and pathophysiology
- Insomnia research in general and clinical cohort trials
- Relationship between insomnia and depression/other psychiatric disorders
- Impact of the use of OTC/non controlled drugs in the treatment of sleep disorders

During further discussion about the revision of the Research Plan, Board members made the following additional suggestions for research priorities:

- Support a merger between sleep and epilepsy research because both focus on circuits.
- Obtain support for research initiatives that provide integration (via collaborative groups) to address cross-cutting issues such as lifespan developmental issues.(A recent RFA for pediatric research networks requests cross-disciplinary researchers.)
- Support research on the link between sleep-disordered breathing and CVD.
- Focus on the need for performance-related alertness, such as in shift work and driving.
- Provide guidance on the treatment of chronic insomnia (the last guidance dates from 1993).
- Integrate the research plan with research training.
- Obtain input from patients as well as biomedical scientists.
- Issue draft reports of the research plan revision so that the Board can provide ongoing input.

In response to a question about whether there has been an outcome evaluation of the original research plan, Dr. Mignot commented that recent annual reports of the Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee provide an excellent overview of sleep research initiatives and activities since release of the first research plan in 1996.

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VII. EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE – Dr. Edward Haponik, Ms. Sue Rogus, Ms. Ellen Sommer

Dr. Haponik introduced this session, noting that the Education Subcommittee is concerned with translating research into improved care and clinical outcomes.

Update on the NCSDR Education Initiatives – Ms. Rogus

Ms. Rogus provided information about several NCSDR education initiatives

The Garfield “Star Sleeper” Campaign, Sleep Well, Do Well.
The audience for this campaign, now in its second year, includes children, teachers, parents, and schools. Campaign elements include school activities, partnerships, an expanded Web page, and media outreach. Partners include the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), American Association of Sleep Medicine (AASM), National Association of School Nurses (NASN), National Science Foundation (NSF), and PAWS, Inc. (the studio of Garfield creator Jim Davis), and others. The Garfield Web page, to be implemented in 2002, includes four “doors” for: (1) children in grades 2-3, (2) teachers, principals, and schools, (3) parents, and (4) pediatricians and other health care providers. Ms. Sandra McGinnis, a Board member, coordinated a special Sleep Well, Do Well campaign that targeted 900 third-grade children in the Duluth, Minnesota, school district. This campaign included classroom activities incorporating sleep education, a press release, videotaped activities in the schools, sleep diaries, and a Garfield contest with Garfield making an appearance to present awards to winners. The successful Duluth program received significant media coverage and can serve as a model for expanding the program to other areas.Communities interested in launching a similar program are encouraged to contact Ms. Rogus through the NCSDR.

High School Supplemental Curriculum on the Biology of Sleep
This 5-day curriculum covers sleep, sleep disorders, and biological rhythms. The curriculum has been field-tested at 8 sites and will be implemented in the fall of 2002. It is designed to help students understand the important connection between sleep and health, and the consequences of lack of sleep. It also provides experience with the scientific process and conveys the importance of science research. The curriculum is based on national science education standards, is integrated with other subjects, includes Web-based technology components, and provides professional development opportunities. The curriculum, which includes 6 lessons (5 in-class and 1 pre-lesson sleep diary, was developed by the NHLBI and the NIH Office of Science Education with the assistance of an external panel of sleep experts, and by a science curriculum training contractor. It will be distributed free of charge to interested science teachers reached, and teacher training in using the supplemental curriculum will be conducted in Spring, 2002:

Physician Education Activities
A Working Group on Sleepiness and Adolescents will meet for the first time on February 4, 2002, to examine the science in biological and social aspects of sleep and sleepiness in adolescents ages 13–22, thereby encompassing both high and college students. Key messages for physicians will be related to the etiology, consequences, recognition and treatment of sleepiness in this age group, and the role of the physician.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) convention in October 2002 will feature a 2-hour CME session on Sleepiness and the Adolescent. In addition, a CenterNet/NHLBI CME video on sleep apnea will be produced in February 2002. The 1-hour video has had multiple satellite airings to more than 1,700 hospitals during 2002.

Latino Sleep Education Activities.>
Dr. Jose Laredo made a presentation on sleep at the August 2001 conference of Promotores in San Diego, with the goal of having these lay workers incorporate sleep education in their activities. In addition, the NCSDR Facts About Sleep Apnea publication has been translated into Spanish.

Media Outreach Activities - Ms. Ellen Sommer

Ms. Sommer provided an update on the media component of the Garfield Sleep Well, Do Well Star Sleeper media campaign, pointing out that the campaign’s goal is to maintain an ongoing presence in the media by promoting individual activities and taking advantage of seasonal events to obtain coverage. The February 2001 press conference that launched the campaign resulted in a total of 70 million “audience impressions” (the potential audience for the messages) and was covered by USA Today, CNN, Univision, Good Morning America, and the CBS Early Show, as well as 210 television stations in 39 States, including the top10 media markets. Extensive online coverage was also achieved.

A Back-to-School Campaign conducted during summer 2001 resulted in more than 45 million audience impressions. It was picked up by Reuters wire service; major newspapers, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times, 16 television stations in 14 states, radio stations in 5 of the top 10 media markets, and several national and regional parenting magazines. A TV PSA was also released in June, and as of November, it had resulted in 197 million audience impressions., In addition, two matte (drop in) feature articles were distributed— one for the general population and one for the African American population, resulting in 29 and 20 million audience impressions, respectively. A print PSA was also released, but results are not avail able yet.

A Daylight Savings Time Campaign was launched in October 2001 and resulted in 8 million audience impressions through print coverage as well as 13 million through television and 6 million through radio.

Ms. Sommer reported that ongoing media outreach includes highly targeted efforts for each priority audience aimed at the top-tier media, as well as seasonal and special outreach to the mass media. A New Years Resolution Campaign is planned. Presentations are planned for meetings of the AAP and NAESP, and at community events.

Comments and Member Organization Updates

In response to Dr. Haponik’s invitation for comments, a number of representatives provided updates.

- The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) sent a media alert to organizations and members to put in their newsletters. The representative noted that a brochure that pediatricians could give to parents would be useful. Parents also need to be educated about the effects of sleepiness on themselves. The ASAA has two new publications: (1) Sleep Apnea and Body Mass Index (which refutes the myth that people with sleep apnea are always obese, and (2) If the Patient Is Not Complying with CPAP. Both publications will be on the ASAA Web site. In addition, Sleep Apnea and Driving has been revised, and the Sleep Apnea and Surgery statement will be reexamined.

- The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has stressed the need to provide training for sleep scientists through the K-23 and related awards. The Sleep Research Society (SRS) also stresses the importance of training; 300 of its 800 members are trainees.

- The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) will sponsor National Sleep Awareness Week, to be held April 1–7, 2002. Thisevent will include a gala, symposium, and Sleep Summit.

- The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (RLSF) reported excellent exposure from two recent articles on RLS in the New York Daily News and The New York Times. The RLSFhas received 21 applications for a diagnostic evaluation study in its small grant program. It will hold a workshop on RLS in the spring or summer of 2002, in collaboration with the International RLS Study Group, NIA, and other members of the Trans-NIH Sleep Research Coordinating Committee.

- The AAP has a new cultural competence component and suggests including an anthropologist on its Board.

- The American Thoracic Society (ATS) is involved in training and credentialing pulmonologists. It will produce a related position statement in March 2002. The ATS annual meeting in May will include the topic of respiratory neurobiology and a roundtable on genetic disorders.

- Two meetings of the Working Group on Sleepiness and Adolescents/Young Adults will be held February 4 and April 22, 2002, near the Baltimore-Washington Airport in Baltimore.

In closing this session, Dr. Hunt thanked Board members and guests for their participation. He asked them to e-mail Dr. Mignot or him with their comments and suggestions for future meetings and in regard to the process of revising the sleep research plan.

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VIII. ADJOURNMENT – Dr. Mignot

In closing this Board meeting, Drs.Mignot and Hunt thanked Board members and guests for their participation. Members are requested to contact Dr. Mignot with their comments and suggestions for future meetings and in regard to the process of revising the sleep research plan. Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.

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IX. FUTURE SLEEP DISORDERS RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS:
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Tuesday, December 9, 2003

X. CERTIFICATION

We certify that, to the best of our knowledge, the foregoing minutes are accurate and complete.

Emmanuel Mignot M.D., Chair
Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board 

Carl E. Hunt, M.D.,  Executive Secretary
Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board 

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