Sleep-Deprived, Alertness-Challenged Chicagoans
Can 'Rise And Shine' At New Health Expo

Chicago - March 3, 2008 - Chicago-area residents among the whopping 65 percent of working Americans who experience sleep problems, or the one in three who drives drowsy at least once a month, are exactly the kinds of sleep-deprived, alertness- challenged people who can benefit from attending The Big Sleep Show, the first-ever consumer health expo solely dedicated to sleep and alertness, May 9-10 in Rosemont, Ill.

These alarming national numbers are revealed in the new Sleep In America Poll released today by the National Sleep Foundation in conjunction with National Sleep Awareness Week, a public information campaign that coincides with the return of Daylight Saving Time.

"The findings in the new poll dramatically underscore why The Big Sleep Show was created," said Dr. Phyllis Zee, who directs the Sleep Disorders Center at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. "In addition to the nearly two-thirds of Americans who experience sleep problems, a startling 84 percent accept their sleepiness during the day and just keep going. Few of these people understand the risks their sleep problems create for their health, loved ones and colleagues.

"This new health and wellness expo will fill a void in sleep health and educate Chicago-area residents and help people take the next step toward achieving healthier sleep," added Dr. Zee, a member of The Big Sleep Show Advisory Board.

Seminars, workshops and exhibits will be among the highlights at the expo occurring at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, where attendees can go directly to experts to learn about the products and health considerations that will enable them to sleep better and stay alert.

Presentations will cover insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, along with major ailments found to have direct links to sleep problems, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression and obesity. Presentations and displays also will emphasize everyday sleep wellness, including topics such as enhancing sleep environments, relaxation therapy and nutrition. Sleep and alertness issues related to women, new parents and seniors also will be covered. The sessions will be interactive and encourage participation.

A special Work & Fatigue Conference seminar will be held May 9 for business owners and corporate human resource, safety/risk and wellness managers, addressing workplace issues such as drowsy driving, shift work, safety and napping. Researchers and practitioners will present the latest developments and best practices to help companies create a safe and productive workplace.

In addition, representatives from prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical companies will join sleep health providers and makers of bedding, medical equipment, energy drinks/supplements and sleepwear to demonstrate the latest innovations developed to help consumers improve the quality of their sleep and address sleep problems.

The expo's executive director, Reid Blank, who spent nine years at the National Sleep Foundation before serving six years as vice president of Alertness Solutions, a scientific consulting firm for around-the-clock, safety-sensitive companies, aims to bring the whole spectrum of sleep's role in people's lives to The Big Sleep Show.

"We have gathered an impressive roster of locally and nationally known experts to speak on these issues," he said. "And we continue to draw big-name sponsors in our target fields to bring even more value to consumers."

Major sponsors and supporters include Cephalon, Kingsdown, Serta, Select Comfort, Neurocrine, ResMed, Respironics, Wild Bleu and Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

Tickets for The Big Sleep Show go on sale online beginning March 15 at www.thebigsleepshow.com. Prices for a general admission two-day pass are $7 and $5 for a one-day pass. Prices for seniors are $5 and $3. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $2 more. The Work & Fatigue Seminar is priced at $65 and includes lunch plus general admission.

NOTE TO MEDIA
The Sleep In America Poll, conducted by WB&A Market Research for The National Sleep Foundation, surveyed 1,000 Americans who work at least 30 hours per week. Maximum sampling error of the data is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. More information on the Sleep In America Poll is available at www.sleepfoundation.org.

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