What key activities take
place during NSAW?
- The release of the 2005 Sleep
in America poll is one of the major activities scheduled for
NSAW 2005. This year’s poll will focus on sleep problems/disorders
and the role they play in our lives.
- The fifth “Night
of a Thousand Dreams” Gala, on Tuesday, March 29
in Washington, DC, helps NSF raise funds for its education,
research, and policy programs and provides the setting
for the presentation of the Foundation’s “Sleep
Leadership Awards.”
- NSAW 2005 On the Web – For
the latest on what’s happening during National Sleep
Awareness Week®, visit the NSAW 2005 Web site at www.nsaw.org.
The Web site will also feature announcements on interactive
activities, as well as hyperlinks to numerous other Web
resources, including links to CSAP Web sites.
- Local NSAW
2005 Activities – To highlight NSAW 2005, NSF provides
CSAPs and other partners with numerous resources to hold
sleep awareness activities in their local communities any
time during the Week – and throughout
the year. Using this Toolkit and other membership benefits,
local sleep centers and other partners are encouraged to
reach out to the public, media, and state and local government
officials and agencies to increase awareness of the importance
of sleep in our daily lives. Hosting a National Sleep Awareness
Week® activity helps the public understand the benefits of
adequate, restful sleep and the serious health and safety
consequences of sleep deprivation and untreated sleep disorders.
- Sleep
Apnea Awareness Day, Thursday, March 31 – The American
Sleep Apnea Association, in partnership with NSF, is using
NSAW as an opportunity to raise awareness about the symptoms
of sleep apnea and the importance of treatment. More information
is included in this Toolkit.
Is it necessary to plan an event in order to participate in
NSAW?
NSAW provides excellent opportunities to raise awareness about sleep-related
issues. An event is one way to raise awareness, but there are other ways to
accomplish this, such as scheduling your spokesperson for media interviews
or speaking engagements, or distributing a news release on the results of the
2005 Sleep in America poll.
What materials will be available from NSF for NSAW?
- A
new PowerPoint™ presentation on sleep problems/sleep
disorders has been produced and is included on the Toolkit
CD-ROM. These PowerPoint™ presentations
have been reviewed by sleep scientists working with the
National Sleep Foundation. The slides in the presentations
should not be changed. If you add your own slides, they
should not alter the focus or integrity of the existing
presentation.
- Also new from NSF is a Daytime Sleepiness Diary that helps
people track their levels of sleepiness at various times
of the day.
- A “Please Do Not Disturb” door hanger featuring
the NSAW theme on one side, and sleep tips on the other.
- A
new series of posters addressing common sleep disorders
is available on the Toolkit CD-ROM. You can easily download
and print these posters from your computer, and insert your
organization’s name and logo in the
space provided.
- This year’s NSAW button and poster will feature the
theme, “Sleep Well Tonight for a Better Tomorrow!” Check
NSF’s Products Catalog for other new materials.
If you are planning to order items for NSAW, please try
to order at least six weeks in advance.
Are there any guidelines for using the different logos for
NSAW? What are these logos? Who can use them and how can they
be used? Where can I find them?
National Sleep Awareness Week® is a registered trademark of the National
Sleep Foundation. There are two logos for NSAW – an NSAW logo, and the
logo for Community Sleep Awareness Partners® (CSAP).
- Use of the NSAW 2005 logo
is limited to 2005 CSAPs, Sleep Awareness Co-Sponsors, and corporate
sponsors for promoting sleep education and awareness during
NSAW and throughout the year.
- Use of the CSAP logo is limited
to those joining the program for 2005; the logo can be
used to promote sleep education and awareness during NSAW
and throughout the year.
- Use of the CSAP
logo does not and should not be used to imply endorsement
by NSF of a member’s products, services,
or information. The logo must not be associated with
content that might be misleading or inaccurate.
- Both logos
can be found on this CD-ROM. You can download them on to
your computer and print them out for use in advertisements,
newsletters and similar visual communications, following
the guidelines for use noted above.
- These graphics shall
not be altered in any way with the exception or resizing,
which may be done as long as the proportional integrity
of the logos is maintained.
- Use of the National Sleep Foundation’s
logo must be approved, in writing and in advance by NSF’s
Chief Executive Officer. (The NSF logo is not included
on the CD-ROM).
- The National Sleep Foundation logo may not
be used in conjunction with the sale, marketing or advertising
of any product or service other than those of NSF, nor can
it be used in any way that may imply the Foundation’s
approval or endorsement of any product or service.
Please
direct any questions regarding logos to Ronald Sears, NSF’s
Senior Director of Marketing and Development, (202) 347-3471,
ext. 207, Rsears@sleepfoundation.org.
Who participates in NSAW?
- Sleep professionals — Hundreds
of sleep clinics, hospitals, and other organizations nationwide host
sleep awareness activities in their roles as NSF Community
Sleep Awareness Partners® (CSAPs). In addition to NSAW activities,
local sites like yours have the resources to reach millions
of community residents with important sleep information all
year long.
- Legislators and federal agency leaders — More
than 100 federal agencies, unions, associations and organizations
traditionally join NSF as NSAW Sleep Awareness Co-sponsors
to raise awareness of sleep issues through their own local
and organizational initiatives. Members of Congress help
educate Americans on how good sleep contributes to their
health, safety and productivity by writing op-ed pieces in
local newspapers and delivering official statements in the
Congressional Record.
- Corporate Supporters—Each year
a number
of corporate sponsors contribute to the success of NSAW
with supporting activities. Some position their own spokespersons
to convey important messages with satellite media tours,
audio news releases and other media outreach; others offer
special promotions to CSAPs and other partners. Past NSAW
supporters include pharmaceutical, surgical and CPAP corporations;
bedding and hot tub manufacturers; a hotel chain and companies
with over-the-counter sleep products.
- Media — NSAW
traditionally receives extensive coverage in the national
and local print and broadcast press, as well as with online
media. The results of the Sleep in America poll and the return
to Daylight Saving Time and the subsequent possible loss
of an hour of sleep are the focus of most media stories.
These story angles offer CSAPs and other partners the opportunity
to be local spokespersons on the poll results and the importance
of sleep in general.
- Volunteers—Individuals who are
concerned about sleep deprivation, affected by sleep disorders,
or who want to advocate for drowsy driving prevention and
other issues, use NSAW as an opportunity to work with sleep
centers and others to stimulate interest in and raise awareness
of sleep issues in schools, at the workplace, and throughout
the community.
What is Sleep Apnea Awareness Day?
Sleep Apnea Awareness Day is an opportunity to focus on this
common and sometimes life threatening sleep disorder. It is
the result of a new partnership between the National Sleep
Foundation (NSF) and the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA).
Its aim is to help people recognize symptoms of sleep apnea
and when they have symptoms, encourage them to talk to their
doctors for diagnosis and treatment options.
When will Sleep Apnea Awareness Day be held?
The Thursday of National Sleep Awareness Week®, March 31, has
been designated Sleep Apnea Awareness Day.
Who is involved in Sleep Apnea Awareness Day?
Among the three key partners who can team up and work together
for Sleep Apnea Awareness Day are NSF’s Community Sleep
Awareness Partners® and Sleep Awareness Co-sponsors, and ASAA’s
A.W.A.K.E. support groups comprised of people with sleep
apnea. Companies, organizations, and other individuals and
groups can participate as well.
Are there any new materials being produced for this special
day?
A core of Sleep Apnea Awareness Day is a new “Snore Score,” designed
by ASAA that can be distributed widely in your community. While
it can be an excellent tool for any NSAW event, there are many
ways to put it to good use without an event. A sample of the “Snore
Score” is included in the Toolkit; if you want to order
them in quantity, please contact the American Sleep Apnea Association.
A
sample news release can be found in the “Sample
Documents” section
of this Toolkit.
Is it necessary to do an event to participate in Sleep Apnea
Awareness Day?
A list of ideas for Sleep Apnea Awareness Day can be found in the NSAW Handbook which
is in the NSAW 2005 section of this CD-ROM along with some basic materials including
a media alert, to be used if you plan an event, and a press release calling attention
to the special day. But it is not necessary to plan an event; other suggestions
and materials that would be appropriate for Sleep Apnea Awareness Day — an
event or a general activity — can be found in the “NSAW
2005” section of
this CD-ROM.
How can I get more information?
For information
specifically related to Sleep Apnea Awareness Day, contact
Ed Grandi, executive director of the American Sleep Apnea Association.,
202/293-3650, casaa@sleepapnea.org.
How far in advance should I plan a community sleep
awareness event?
For a single event, you will need to plan at least three months ahead, particularly
if you want to allow enough time for reserving space, getting the participants
or speakers, and publicity. In some cases, such as events occurring over several
days or at different locations, additional time will be required—preferably
six months of planning and preparing. (See the sample case histories spotlighting
NSAW activities planned and implemented by a few CSAPs last year in this section
of this Toolkit.)
Why is it so important to set goals and identify my
audience very early?
Goals provide a rationale and purpose for your activities. They also spell
out what you want to accomplish to help you determine if your goals were met
and if your effort was worthwhile. Goals also help determine the type of activity
to conduct, who your audience will be, and where to have your activities. Identifying
the audience allows you to tailor activities and the location of the event
to their needs and interests. In general, you will want to have interactive
activities and select a site that is familiar, attractive and accessible to
your attendees. Careful planning spells success!
How do I select materials for the event?
Again, consider your audience as well as the theme for your event. Because
people are overwhelmed with so much information, it is helpful to utilize
all marketing and implementation efforts. Flyers and other publicity items
(exhibit booths, for example) should all use the same colors and images because
people will recognize them and associate them with your event.
Educational
materials also should be geared to your audience and theme. For example,
if you are targeting a consumer audience, you will want to have some basic
sleep materials, such as NSF’s brochure “ABCs of ZZZs or
the Sleep Sheet on “Sleep Tips.” Interactive tools such as the “How’s
Your Sleep?” self-test or NSF’s Sleep Diary and Daytime Sleepiness
Diary will also appeal to many people. You should also focus on materials relating
to common sleep problems, such as insomnia and sleep apnea. NSF also has materials
designed for special demographic groups, such as women, children, and senior
citizens. You can order NSF educational brochures and other educational materials
from NSF’s Web site at www.sleepfoundation.org.
What’s the best way for me to reach the media
with a story idea?
Media advisories, news releases, and pitch letters are three of the best ways
to reach members of the press. If you’re planning an event that you want
the press to attend, send a media advisory to the assignment editors of your
daily and weekly newspapers and local TV and radio stations. Distribute a news
release if you have something new or important to announce. Send a “pitch
letter” to an appropriate reporter to suggest a story idea and how you
can help him/her develop the story, such as with spokespeople, statistics and
other information or materials.
What’s the best way to get media attention for
my sleep center or sleep issues?
Sleep is a popular topic with the news media. Doing an event, such as a sleep
or health fair during National Sleep Awareness Week® or any other time
during the year, can be a good opportunity for news coverage. Providing timely
information to producers and reporters, such as tips to avoid driving drowsy
is also important. NSF provides media packets several times during the year
that can be useful for generating media attention.
How can I find out whom to contact with my story idea?
Pay attention to who reports on health (or education, business,
etc.) issues on your local television news broadcasts and
in your daily newspapers. You can also call the station
or newspaper assignment editors and find out the appropriate
reporter, editor and/or producer. Prepare a list of these
media contacts and update it frequently
What are the best ways to get my messages across?
Develop no more than three key message points for any interview.
Make your message points short, easily understood, and
persuasive. Keep them simple. Don’t use clinical terms or jargon that may not be familiar. Use language
your audience can easily understand. And most important, repeat your key messages
as often as possible during an interview.
Why should I get involved in advocacy?
There are many ways to promote awareness of sleep issues in America. While public
education is important, often this is not enough. Appealing directly to policy
makers and providing them with information will serve as an impetus to government
research, and education programs, as well as legislation that will address important
sleep issues.
How do I know who my Representatives and Senators
are?
There are numerous Web sites that can help you search for your congressional
representatives; for example:
Contacting the Congress
Thomas
Project Vote Smart
What is the most effective method of communicating
with my elected officials?
Despite technological advances in communication and the ease of e-mail and
telephone calls, letter writing remains the most useful way to convey your
concerns and opinions to your representatives in Congress. However, due to
current security issues, e-mails may be more useful for time-sensitive matters.
How much material should I provide during a visit?
The material should be concise. Do not provide all the studies on the subject—quality
is much more important than quantity. Also, include any local media coverage
on the subject, but remember to be brief. If they need more information later,
the staff can always contact you.
What do I put in a letter?
Your letter should be well thought out, brief, to the point, and articulate.
State your reason for writing in the first paragraph, and be sure to refer
to any legislation by the number assigned to the bill or resolution. Point
out that you are a constituent. State your position on the subject clearly.
Briefly give your reasons for your opinion. Highlight any congressional district
or statewide circumstances that are connected to this issue. In closing,
re-state your position, offer your services as a source of information, and
thank the legislator for his or her time.
How should I prepare for my presentation?
The key to success is to understand the audience you want
to reach and what they need and want to know. Identify
your topic, the purpose of your talk, and the main theme
that will weave the presentation together. Conduct research
about your subject. You probably have expertise in the
topic, but reviewing current research will give your presentation
more credibility. Review current literature, talk to organizations
or experts, and check Web sites. Talk with patients, who
can provide you with case histories and stories to keep your audience’s
attention.
How should I organize my presentation?
Create an outline. Organize your outline into three sections: introduction,
body, and conclusion. The introduction must capture your audience’s
attention and give you and your information credibility. The body has to
develop your topic incorporating its main theme and important points supported
by specific points, ideas, and examples. Finally, the conclusion must summarize
your major points and issue a call for action.
How do I conquer my fear of presenting before a group?
Prepare thoroughly and rehearse your presentation several times. Knowing your
subject matter well will give you confidence. Avoid stress by arriving at
the event early. Before your presentation, try a relaxing technique that
works for you, such as taking a few deep breaths. Achieve rapport with your
audience by talking directly to them and maintaining eye contact. At the
same time, concentrate on your material and keep it interesting by changing
your voice and showing enthusiasm. Use quotations, case histories and statistics.
Present yourself as someone who is in control of the situation, and use short
sentences that have strong ideas.
What is the most effective way to deliver the presentation
to my audience?
Use audio-visuals to enhance your content and the audience’s ability
to understand the material. When presenting the information, remember to focus
on your audience, not on the audiovisuals. Consider the use of interactive
exercises, such as NSF’s “Sleep IQ Test” or the “How’s
Your Sleep?” assessment tool. People retain information best when they
have an opportunity to participate and apply what they learn.
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