Presentations That Won't Put You To Sleep

Chicago - April 16, 2008 - Attendees at The Big Sleep Show May 9-10 may never look or feel tired again. That is, if Chicagoans pay attention to the speakers lined up to impart their sleep savvy.

The first-ever consumer health expo solely dedicated to sleep and alertness brings a full slate of experts in sleep wellness to Chicago to share their wisdom and help Chicagoans learn that restful sleep improves overall health, quality of life, brain power and even appearance.

Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., "The Sleep Doctor," a regular guest on nationally-broadcast television and radio programs, including the "Oprah Winfrey Show" and "The View," will present a talk entitled "Sleep Your Way to Looking Great" and sign copies of his latest book, Beauty Sleep: Look Younger, Lose Weight and Feel Great Through Better Sleep, during a midday address Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, at Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Dr. John Spencer Ellis, who serves as chief executive officer of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, will address audiences on sleep and its impact on fitness and overall quality of life. He will deliver his address from 1 to 1:45 p.m. May 10 only.

And Sara Mednick, PhD, who authored Take a Nap: Change Your Life!, will add to Dr. Breus' and Dr. Ellis' presentations with her knowledge of napping's effect on brain power and memory. Dr. Mednick will explain the cutting-edge technology used to pinpoint the areas of the brain that underline improved performance. She will sign copies of her book after her 45-minute seminar, which is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on both show days.

"Getting a good night's sleep is crucial to overall well being," said Dr. Breus, a clinical psychologist and board certified sleep specialist. "Most people don't realize how sleep deprived they might be and how it affects their weight, their performance at work and even their personal relationships. Part of my mission, along with The Big Sleep Show, is to educate people about the benefits of sleep and give people the tools they need to achieve their best night's sleep."

Dr. Ellis, who also serves as CEO of the Get America Fit Foundation, draws comparisons between physical exercise and good sleep. "A great night's sleep helps you enjoy what you work hard for every day," said Dr. Ellis, who serves on the Sleep Number® Quality of Life Advisory Board for Select Comfort. "Recuperative sleep also is more important to attaining the energy we need for an active day."

"The complete lineup of presentations and discussions is ... exhausting, but in a very positive way," said Reid Blank, chief executive of The Big Sleep Show. "Our extensive group of speakers will address all aspects of sleep health and alertness."

Seminars, workshops and exhibits will be among additional highlights at the expo, 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.

Other 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 promote 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.

Major sponsors and supporters include Bath & Body Works, which is sponsoring Dr. Breus' appearance, and Select Comfort, who counts Dr. Ellis among its Sleep Number® Quality of Life Advisory Board members.

Additional show sponsors include Revolution Health, Virtual Relaxation Systems, Cephalon, Ambien CR, Kingsdown, Serta, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, VivoMetrics, American Mattress, ResMed, Respironics, Lincare, At Peace Media and Hyatt Regency O'Hare. A complete list of sponsors is on the show's Web site.

Tickets for The Big Sleep Show are on sale online 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 at slightly higher prices.

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