The American Sleep Apnea Association was founded in 1990 as a non-profit
501(c)(3) organization by persons with apnea and concerned health care
providers and researchers. The ASAA's mission is simple:
The American Sleep Apnea Association is dedicated to reducing
injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and to enhancing the well-being
of those affected by this common disorder. The ASAA promotes education
and awareness, the ASAA A.W.A.K.E. Network of voluntary mutual support
groups, research, and continuous improvement of care.
As part of its endeavors to increase understanding of sleep apnea, the
ASAA fulfills thousands of requests for information from the public each
year and answers a multitude of questions about diagnosis and treatment
options. The ASAA also works with other non-profit organizations and societies
for health care professionals to reach the undiagnosed. In addition, the
ASAA serves as an advocate for people with sleep apnea and assists them
in living with this disorder and its repercussions. Material and programs
are developed in direct response to the public's needs.
The ASAA A.W.A.K.E. Network plays a crucial role in the ASAA's educational
and advocacy efforts. "A.W.A.K.E." is an acronym for "Alert, Well, And
Keeping Energetic," characteristics that are uncommon in persons with untreated
apnea. Founded in 1988 as a mutual-help support group for persons affected
by sleep apnea, the ASAA A.W.A.K.E. Network is now composed of hundreds
of groups in nearly all fifty states. A.W.A.K.E. meetings are held regularly and guest
speakers are often invited to address the group. Topics may include advice
on complying with CPAP therapy, legal issues affecting those with sleep
apnea, weight loss, treatment options such as oral appliances, and new
research findings.
In other efforts to fulfill its mission, the ASAA publishes the
WAKE-UP CALL. This newsletter provides useful, accurate, and objective medical information as well as
(in light of our patient advocacy role) articles on health wellness, research
news, and social and legal issues facing people with sleep apnea. The ASAA
widely distributes its brochure "Get the Facts about Sleep Apnea" that defines the
disease, describes its symptoms, explains the consequences of untreated
apnea, and encourages those who may have apnea to seek diagnosis and treatment.
A simple self-diagnostic test, the ASAA Snore Score, is included. The ASAA
also disseminates public service announcements to inform the public about
sleep apnea.
In addition, the ASAA offers a 10-minute video also entitled "What Is
Sleep Apnea?" which explains how apnea is diagnosed and treated.
To conduct its programs and activities, the ASAA receives support from members' dues; individual, foundation, and corporate donations; and annual contributions from members of the ASAA Industry Roundtable.
Please contact us if you need additional information.
Return to Top
