CIM: Who are the members of the World Federation of Sleep Research & Sleep Medicine Societies?
Prof. John Wheatley: WFSRSMS represents over 10,000 individuals working in the area of sleep health: physicians, scientists, psychologists, dentists, psychiatrists, neurologists, chronobiologists and many others. The WFSRSMS is made up of seven member societies. Among them are the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Asian Sleep Research Society, European Sleep Research Society and the Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) – who are hosting the worldsleep07.
What is the mission of the WFSRSMS?
We aim to encourage international collaborations, facilitate the generation and dissemination of information and increase public awareness of the importance of sleep health and the impact of sleep disorders.
Why should we care about our sleep?
Sleep is necessary for every human individual – it is not possible to live without it. Sleep disorders are amongst the most common medical disorders, and are a major contributing factor in many diseases. Sleep is vital to our health and well being. Yet millions of us are not getting enough sleep, or are suffering from other sleep problems. Surveys conducted by the National Sleep Foundation reveal that 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. More than 40 percent experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. Millions struggle to stay alert at home, on the job – and on the road. Tragically, fatigue contributes to more than 100,000 police-reported highway crashes, causing 71,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths each year in the United States alone.
How do you get public awareness?
Sleep Health is currently of major interest to the media, and interesting topics covered at the conference are likely to be picked up world-wide. While public lectures are not planned during worldsleep07, it is anticipated that the media coverage will assist in raising awareness.
Why did you choose the Cairns Convention Centre for the 5th International Congress 2007?
Cairns was chosen as the host city for worldsleep07, as it showed up as a major team player, with all the hotels and suppliers working together as a destination that really appreciated the business. In a perfect setting, adjacent to two world heritage areas, rainforest behind, and the barrier reef in front, it was felt that Cairns would appeal to a large number of international delegates. The Cairns Convention Centre offers ideal facilities for the 2,500 delegates, large enough to house the numbers, but still offering a friendly and efficient service.
Prof. John Wheatley, co-chair of worldsleep07, the 5th Quadrennial Congress of the World Federation of Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine Societies (WFSRSMS). www.wfsrsms.org
