Analyses of Efficacy and Absence of Rebound Effect in a Clinical Study of Intermezzo(R) (Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual Tablet 3.5 mg) to Treat Middle-of-the-Night (MOTN) Awakening on an As-Needed Basis

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT), a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary products that address important therapeutic needs in the field of neuroscience, announced today the presentation of data from a clinical study of Intermezzo(R) in two posters at the SLEEP 2009 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Seattle, Washington. Intermezzo(R) is a sublingual low dose formulation of zolpidem currently under regulatory review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If approved within the anticipated time frame, Intermezzo(R) will be the first commercially available sleep aid designed specifically for use as-needed in the middle of the night when patients awaken and have difficulty returning to sleep.

The first poster, titled "As-Needed Treatment of Insomnia Following MOTN Awakening: Clinical Efficacy of Low-Dose Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual Tablet," was presented on June 8, 2009 by Thomas Roth, Ph.D., Chief of Sleep Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders and Research Center. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet 3.5 mg (ZST) when taken on an as-needed (prn) basis during a one-month period of time for the treatment of middle-of-the-night (MOTN) awakenings followed by difficulty returning to sleep.

In the study, 295 adults (aged 18 to 64 years) with insomnia characterized by MOTN awakenings and difficulty returning to sleep were randomized to receive four weeks of double-blind treatment with either ZST or placebo. Study medication was to be taken only when needed (prn) at the time of awakening with difficulty returning to sleep. The study included a two-week, single-blinded, placebo screening period. An interactive voice response system (IVRS) was utilized for patient data collection. Results indicated that, compared to placebo, ZST significantly reduced latency to sleep onset after MOTN awakenings and improved sleep quality and next-day alertness ratings throughout the treatment period. Furthermore, ZST improved the post-MOTN sleep maintenance parameters of wake after sleep onset and number of awakenings versus placebo. The 3.5 mg zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet was well tolerated and no safety issues were identified.

The second poster, titled "Absence of Rebound Effects with Low-Dose Zolpidem Tartrate Sublingual Tablet 3.5 mg As-Needed Use: Preliminary Analysis," was presented on June 8, 2009 by Russell Rosenberg, Ph.D., Founder and Director of NeuroTrials Research and the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine. This poster presents the results of post hoc analyses to evaluate whether rebound effects occurred in the study described above. Rebound is typically defined as the effect after a medication is discontinued, when the symptoms being treated by that medication return with severity greater than before the medication was first taken. The intent of this analysis was to assess whether ZST taken only when needed (prn) after a middle of the night awakening would result in rebound insomnia on nights when the medication was not taken. The analysis evaluated the sleep characteristics on non-dosing nights and average weekly tablet use.

On nights when medication was not taken, no rebound effects were seen, as determined by total sleep time, sleep latency at the beginning of the night and sleep quality. In the study, 65 percent of the patients did not take medication nightly and there was no evidence of increased utilization of drug over the four week treatment period.

Glenn A. Oclassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcept Pharmaceuticals, commented, "The posters presented by Drs. Roth and Rosenberg reflect the growing awareness among clinicians that middle of the night awakening with difficulty returning to sleep is an important insomnia concern. We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with these highly regarded researchers."

SOURCE Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

What's the best gift-giving strategy if you're a woman trying to figure out how to please her man on Father's Day? Do what little kids do - give him the gift you really want for yourself.

OK, that probably rules out the '65 Mustang and the even-bigger screen TV.

So what would be the best present for millions of women - one that would actually be a true gift to their mates as well? How about something that would put an end to his cosmically annoying snoring? That way you both win - you finally get a good night's sleep and he gets to live with a more rested, nicer you (and probably sleep better himself).

That's the idea behind a unique Father's Day gift suggestion from the makers of Brez(R), a revolutionary new and effective anti-snoring device - give your man the means to stop snoring and then reward him handsomely when he does.

If you have any doubt that many women would find that idea appealing, you need only turn to a study by the National Sleep Foundation. Of respondents who were married or living with someone, 23% reported one partner regularly camping out in a separate bedroom or on the sofa because one partner had sleep problems.

The great thing about making a Father's Day present of an anti-snoring aid is that there are a lot to choose from. The problem, though, is that the vast majority are uncomfortable to wear, ugly or make unsubstantiated claims about how well they work.

But Brez(R), (www.mybrez.com) which has come on the market this year just in time for Father's Day, has been found in a clinical trial to significantly reduce snoring and to also significantly improve (by 88%) the sleep quality reported by test subjects' bed partners.

Brez(R) (pronounced "breeze") is made of soft and comfortable, nearly invisible medical grade material that inserts easily into the nose. Brez(R) gently props open nasal passages to reduce the tissue vibrations that cause primary snoring. Brez(R) also allows greater air flow and can be worn unnoticed during the day when some users report it relieves nasal congestion. (Brez(R) cannot treat sleep apnea, a condition in which interrupted breathing causes snoring - a special breathing apparatus is sometimes medically prescribed for that.)

For an illustration of how much better women sleep when their bedmates use Brez(R), you need go no further than Mindi Osborn, CEO of AirWare, Inc., the company that makes Brez(R). Before she decided to become associated with AirWare, she wanted to be sure the product would work on a key test subject: her husband Jim.

"Every morning around 2, his snoring would wake me up. I would be livid. I'd grab my pillow, my cat, a blanket and go stomping across the house to the guest room. This went on for years," Osborn says.

"It controlled our lives. I was exhausted. I would say things to him. He didn't care. I was so tired and he would blame it on hormones."

Then Mindi met David Dolezal, the inventor of Brez(R), who provided her with a sample, which her husband tried. It worked.

"That night, seriously, I thought he was dead. I was up all night. I was touching him, I was checking for his pulse. I was deafened by the silence. He woke up and he felt amazing and I was exhausted because I was literally up the whole night."

"My doctor had given me sleeping pills, everything, to help me sleep through his snoring. So this was really significant."

"It really had a major impact on my life. Our relationship is definitely better. "

Father's Day gift shoppers can take advantage of a special $2 coupon being offered at mybrez.com. Brez(R) is available at many national and independent pharmacies and online.

Source: AirWave, Inc.

The National Sleep Foundation announced today that, together with sanofi-aventis U.S., it has joined forces with renowned women's health expert Dr. Donnica Moore to debunk common myths and misperceptions about sleep. The partnership is part of an ongoing initiative, Sleeping Smart, which helps educate Americans about the importance of a good night's sleep. Additionally, the campaign motivates sufferers to talk to a healthcare professional to determine whether treatment is appropriate and to learn about the safe and appropriate use of prescription sleep medications.

"Considering the current economic environment, many Americans are having trouble falling or staying asleep. People may think that their sleep problems aren't severe enough to talk to a healthcare professional," said Donnica Moore, MD, president, Sapphire Women's Health Group and women's health expert. "Yet, anyone who has been experiencing symptoms of insomnia for more than a month, or who finds that sleep problems are interfering with their daily life, should speak with a healthcare professional, especially before self-medicating."

As part of the Sleeping Smart campaign, Dr. Donnica debunks common sleep myths through a series of online videos available on the campaign Web site: www.sleepingsmart.org. The short videos incorporate KlickableTV(TM) technology to create an interactive user experience. Sleep sufferers can click through the videos to reveal additional tips and information to help them sleep smart. In one video, Dr. Donnica encourages visitors to click around a bedroom to pinpoint common items that can hinder sleep. Additionally, the site provides facts about insomnia, additional tips for getting a good night's sleep and a discussion guide to help facilitate a conversation with a healthcare professional.

"Sleep is just as important as diet and exercise to our overall health and well-being," said David Cloud, CEO of The National Sleep Foundation. "Unfortunately, only 42 percent of Americans agree that sleep is the most important (25%) or at least equally important to diet and exercise (17%). Since there are so many misperceptions about sleep, our goal with this campaign is to set the record straight while educating people about the importance of a good night's sleep and motivate them to talk to a healthcare professional to determine if treatment is appropriate."

    Setting the Record Straight:

    Myth                      Fact

    Sleep is not important.   Sleep is vital to our health and
     People can get by on a    well-being, and is just as important
     few hours.                as diet and exercise. Although
                               individual needs may vary, adults
                               typically need between 7 to 9 hours
                               of sleep per night.

    Men and women are         Insomnia is nearly twice as common in
     affected the same way     women than in men, and women are more
     by insomnia.              likely than men to report insomnia to
                               their healthcare professional.

    Insomnia is not a         Insomnia can be a serious medical
     serious medical           condition characterized by difficulty
     condition and has no      falling asleep, difficulty staying
     consequences.             asleep (waking up often during the
                               night and having trouble going back
                               to sleep), waking up too early in the
                               morning, or feeling tired upon
                               waking. Some potential consequences
                               of insomnia are decreased work
                               performance, depression or mood
                               changes and increased risk of
                               automotive crashes.

    If I can't sleep, I can   OTCs may be appropriate, but it's
     pick up something at      smart to discuss any treatment
     the pharmacy. I don't     options with your healthcare
     need to see a healthcare  professional before you
     professional. After       self-medicate.
     all, over-the-counter
     (OTC) medications are
     safer than prescription
     sleep aids.

    Prescription sleep aids   When taken as prescribed by a
     are not safe and may be   healthcare professional, sleep aids
     addictive or cause        can safely and effectively treat
     dependency.               insomnia. There is a lower risk for
                               dependency and tolerance with the
                               newer prescription sleep aids
                               compared to traditional
                               benzodiazopines.

    I can have alcohol or     Sleep medications should not be used
     wine with my sleep aid    with alcohol or other drugs. Sleep
     - it will help me get     aids should also not be taken before
     to sleep faster.          driving or operating machinery, or
                               before taking a bath or shower, among
                               other things.

As with all medications, it is important to take sleep aids only as directed by a healthcare professional. This means following his or her instructions about how to take, when to take and how long to take sleep medicine. Sleep aids should not be taken with alcohol, before driving or operating machinery, or before taking a bath or shower, among other things. Be sure you're able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.

Tips for Sleeping Smart

• Establish a regular bed and wake time
• Avoid nicotine altogether and avoid caffeine close to bedtime
• Avoid alcohol
• Exercise regularly (but complete the workout at least 3 hours before bedtime)
• Establish a regular relaxing "wind-down" bedtime routine
• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and comfortable
• Discuss the appropriate way to take any sleep aid with a healthcare professional

Are you sleeping smart? For more information and to view the interactive videos visit www.sleepingsmart.org.

SOURCE National Sleep Foundation; sanofi-aventis US

There are few things as vital to health and well-being as a good night's sleep. Yet millions of us -- nearly 50 million according to the National Sleep Foundation -- suffer from chronic sleep problems or disorders. Every year, more and more scientific studies are showing correlations between poor or insufficient sleep and disease. Now there is a simple, easy way to quantify and measure sleep problems with patient populations.

The MOS Sleep Scale was originally developed in the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS), a four-year observational study of the health outcomes for chronically ill patients. The MOS Sleep Scale measures six dimensions of sleep, including initiation, maintenance (e.g. staying asleep), quantity, adequacy, somnolence (e.g. drowsiness), and respiratory impairments (e.g. shortness of breath, snoring). Disturbed sleep has a major impact on quality of life and is often a common symptom of many other chronic conditions, such as chronic pain and mood disorders.

"According to a new study by Marketdata, sleep is a $23.7 billion-a-year industry in the United States," reports Jeff Hallowell, Vice President of Business Development at QualityMetric. "Measuring the impact of sleep problems, as well as demonstrating the effectiveness of products developed to alleviate sleep disorders, can be a very valuable tool for pharmaceutical manufacturers, public health officials, and healthcare providers."

QualityMetric distributes translations of two versions of the MOS Sleep Scale: a 12 question version and a six question version. The 12 question version is available in 85 language translations and the six question version is available in 61 language translations. The forms have a standard four-week recall period. The reliability and validity of the MOS Sleep Scale have been evaluated in a number of disease areas, including neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome, overactive bladder, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been evaluated in the general U.S. population. A recent literature search yielded 80 citations in which the MOS Sleep Scale had been used, including 14 clinical trials.

SOURCE QualityMetric Incorporated

As stress from economic anxiety mounts, the Better Sleep Council (BSC) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) have joined forces for Better Sleep Month in May to help consumers enjoy a stress-less, good night's sleep. In order to get the best rest possible and help relieve stress, the BSC and CRN say it's essential for Americans to make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Stress is a leading culprit that is robbing Americans of sleep, according to sleep researchers. While it is well known that stress can negatively impact sleep, new research from Oklahoma State University (OSU) confirms that cyclically poor sleep can elevate stress. The OSU study, "Back Pain, Sleep Quality and Perceived Stress Following Introduction of New Bedding Systems," published in the March 2009 Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, also suggests that improved sleep quality not only reduces stress, but also helps us manage everyday stress.

"When you're stressed, and similarly when you are tired, every aspect of your waking life is affected, from work to personal relationships and even concentration," says BSC spokesperson and lifestyle expert Lissa Coffey. "Controlling stress and getting a good night's rest start by evaluating your lifestyle and creating a healthy daily regimen that you can stick to. This includes adequate sleep, balanced diet, daily vitamins and healthy exercise."

The Sleep Escape

The OSU study also reveals that the mattress plays a critical role in the sleep-stress relationship and quality of sleep. In fact, the OSU study found that significant decreases in stress paralleled reports of a good night's sleep on a new mattress, compared to one that is five years or older.

"People across the country are facing hardships from job losses and money woes," adds Coffey. "A mattress that cradles you with comfort can go a long way to help reduce stress. It provides a good night's rest so that you can perform your best during the day, even in tough times."

The BSC advises consumers to take time during Better Sleep Month to evaluate their mattress for optimum comfort and support and consider replacing it every five to seven years.

Investing in Your Wellness

Getting a good night's sleep on a supportive mattress is just one part of investing in a healthy lifestyle. Being active and eating healthy also play a large role. And with healthcare costs and unemployment rates increasing, CRN says that now, more than ever, it's important to think about taking an integrative approach to preventive healthcare.

"Studies show that healthy individuals tend to engage in many healthy habits--eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, exercising regularly and getting adequate amounts of sleep--as an integrative approach to wellness," says Douglas MacKay, N.D., vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN. Dr. MacKay, a licensed naturopathic doctor, says certain supplements, including melatonin, magnesium and calcium, may help individuals relax or promote healthy sleep patterns.

"Herbals and other dietary supplements can be safe and effective ways to help individuals achieve quality sleep," says Dr. MacKay. "You should consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine which supplements are the best regimen for your lifestyle."

Simple Steps to Sleep Better and Stress Less

Lifestyle expert Lissa Coffey and Dr. Douglas MacKay offer a few simple tips to sleep better, stress less and live healthy, especially during these worrisome economic times:

1. Sleep soundly. Commit to getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night and keep a consistent sleep-wake schedule. If sleep problems persist, be sure to see a doctor, but also evaluate your bedroom environment and your mattress. If your mattress is uncomfortable, or more than five to seven years old, it could be robbing you of sleep and it might be time to replace it.
2. Eat right. Map out a healthy diet that's right for you. Consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, registered dietitian or naturopath, to help guide your plan and make sure you are getting the right balance of the food groups your body needs, including protein, vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy.
3. Supplement your life. Make sure to take your daily vitamins, starting with a multivitamin, as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Other supplements, including melatonin, valerian, 5-HTP and magnesium and calcium, may help promote healthy sleep patterns. Engage your healthcare professional, such as a doctor, registered dietitian or naturopath, in a discussion about which supplements are right for you.
4. Get Active. Commit to at least 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity five days a week. Work physical activity into your daily routine with three 10-minute sessions for your arms, abdominals and legs. Avoid exercising at least two hours before bedtime.
5. Live life in balance. We all have to work, but leave some time to play, too. Spend time with people you love. Spend time in nature. Do things that you enjoy. A healthy lifestyle means taking care of yourself--body, mind and spirit. Finding balance will help you feel better and sleep better.

As a starting point for assessing overall wellness, including sleep and which supplements might be right for your personal well-being, visit www.lifesupplemented.org and take My Wellness Scorecard, a free and fast on-line wellness assessment quiz and tool.

For more information on sleeping soundly, tips on how to shop for a mattress or to download the Better Sleep Guide, go to www.bettersleep.org.

For more information on how to incorporate vitamins and other dietary supplements into a healthy lifestyle, visit www.crnusa.org or www.lifesupplemented.org.

SOURCE Better Sleep Council

Sit 'n Sleep, the sponsor of the recently-launched website SleepBook.com, announces an impressive level of user engagement for the new site. Since SleepBook.com's launch less than one month ago, more than 5,500 southern California sleepers have downloaded personalized versions of their very own sleep book.

Why the enthusiastic response? It could be that the continuing recession is keeping people up at night. According to the National Sleep Foundation's 2009 Sleep in America(TM) poll, one-third of Americans are losing sleep over the state of the U.S. economy and other personal financial concerns. This is leading frustrated sleepers all over the country to seek out resources to help them sleep better.

Additionally, the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health reports that approximately 30-40 percent of adults have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year, and about 10-15 percent of adults say they have chronic insomnia.

This may account for the popularity surge of SleepBook.com. The site allows users to create a free, downloadable sleep book, designed to improve overall sleep quality and duration. Visitors to SleepBook.com are encouraged to take a short, but comprehensive survey, about their sleep habits. After completion, a free, personalized sleep book is constructed for the user and delivered via email.

Based on the user's survey answers, this customized sleep book provides tips and strategies to help improve sleep quality and sleep habits.

"What's most interesting to us is that SleepBook.com is busiest during the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. when people are surfing the Internet for information about how to sleep better," Larry Miller, president of Sit 'n Sleep says.

Sit 'n Sleep (www.sitnsleep.com) is the largest mattress retailer in Southern California, and the company's top priority is to help people sleep better.

SOURCE Sit 'n Sleep

Innovative Custom Products, Inc. (ICP) announced today that ICP has acquired Scent To Sleep - a California company. Scent To Sleep manufactures and distributes a revolutionary All Natural Non-Drowsy Sleep Mist (www.ScentToSleep.com).

According to Sherry Williams, Senior VP, "We love Scent To Sleep products so much, we bought the company. Scent To Sleep is so easy to use and really gets the job done. By simply applying 3 to 5 sprays on your pillow, bed, pajamas, or in the bedroom five minutes before bedtime, you will feel relaxed, and go right to sleep...and the best part is you wake up feeling refreshed and energized."

Scent To Sleep is all natural, safe, environmentally friendly, and one of the most innovative non-prescription sleep aids to hit the market. Its proprietary formulation contains no chemicals or harmful ingredients, has no horrible prescription side effects, and you never have to take a pill.

According to Sherry, consumers love this product too! "With one exposure in Woman's World Magazine, sales increased ten-fold." Scent To Sleep is expected in some retail chains later this year. In the meantime, consumers can purchase Scent To Sleep at www.drmistICP.com, the corporation's ecommerce website. Scent To Sleep is available in Luscious Lavender Scent and Decadent Green Apple with Vanilla, backed by the company's 100% Money-Back Guarantee, and retails for $11.99.

The company is currently offering a 2-for-1 National TV Promotional Special as a way to introduce Scent To Sleep to the public. Simply visit www.drmistICP.com and order Scent To Sleep and a second bottle will be shipped FREE with your order.

SOURCE Innovative Custom Products, Inc.

Sit 'n Sleep announces its sponsorship of SleepBook.com -- a new educational web site designed to educate people about the importance of quality sleep. Site visitors are encouraged to take a short, but comprehensive survey about their sleep habits. Once the survey is complete, a free, customized "Sleep Book" of approximately 35 to 40 pages is generated and delivered to the user's inbox.

Sleep Book users have two sleep survey choices -- instant or multi-day. The multi-day survey includes questions that are emailed over the course of three days and inquire about the user's previous night's sleep. The multi-day survey provides users an in-depth and detailed analysis of their sleep habits and quality.

Once the sleep survey is complete, users receive a customized Sleep Book outlining how the person is sleeping now and how he or she can sleep better in the future. The book addresses dreams, environment, sleep routine, diet, and more.

The Sleep Book is filled with individually-tailored sleep health advice, and also includes a wide range of tips and strategies for achieving a better night's sleep.

Of course, the sleeper's mattress plays a large role in the level of sleep quality.

"At Sit 'n Sleep, our top priority is to help people in Southern California to sleep better," Larry Miller, president of Sit 'n Sleep says. "Our sleep consultants know that a mattress is only as good as the quality of sleep people get from it."

Sit 'n Sleep is the largest mattress retailer in Southern California and the company's commitment to sleep health is unsurpassed.

"We're the only mattress retailer in Southern California to use a sophisticated body diagnostic machine in all of our store locations," Miller adds. "Our body diagnostic machine makes more than 17,000 calculations to match sleepers with an optimal mattress type. The data is amazing."

So, when the diagnostic machine data is coupled with the sleep survey data, a SleepBook.com user is well on his or her way to resting easier.

The Sleep Book and interactive survey were conceptualized and developed by William Fernandez, Director of Interactive Marketing for Wingman Media, a full-service retail advertising agency.

Visit: www.sleepbook.com.

- On Average a Quarter of Europeans Surveyed From UK, Portugal, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland Claim Worsening Quality of Sleep Thanks to the Economy(1)

- Portuguese are Most Affected, With 42% Making the Admission, Compared to 17% of the UK(1)

- 66% of European Adults on Average Have Experienced Problems Sleeping Over the Last 12 Months, but Only 19% of These Have Visited the Doctor(1)

- Debilitating Next-Day Side Effects Associated With Sleep Deprivation Could be Costing Europe Billions of Euros, Increasing Traffic Accidents and Seriously Impacting on the Health and Well Being of Those Affected

Lundbeck today announced the results of a new sleep survey of 6,694 Europeans (aged 18+) across seven countries to mark the second annual World Sleep Day, which falls today, 20th March. World Sleep Day is an international event organised by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and is aimed at raising awareness of the burden and impact of sleep disorders. The survey was conducted online by YouGov.

Of the 66% of Europeans in these 7 countries who have experienced sleep problems over the past 12 months, on average nearly half have experienced poor concentration during the next day, one in five feel their work has been affected and 68% suffered from sleepiness during the day1. Not only do next-day side effects from poor quality (non-restorative) sleep have a serious impact on an individual's health and well-being, they also create a significant burden on society. While little information is available about the direct and indirect cost of sleep problems in Europe, in the US it is estimated that insomnia costs society up to $107 billion a year(2).

Through World Sleep Day, WASM is also highlighting the dangers of drowsy driving, caused by people suffering next day effects of sleep problems. WASM claims that improved diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders could help to cut fatal or serious road traffic accidents by up to one third(3).

"This survey highlights that despite the availability of a broad range of treatment options for the significant number of people across Europe suffering from sleep problems, very few people are seeking support from their doctor," said Professor Colin Espie, Professor of Clinical Psychology Director, University of Glasgow Sleep Research Laboratory . "There is no need for people to suffer in silence when lifestyle changes and treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapies and medications can all help to tackle sleep problems."

Interestingly, the survey reveals that Polish adults are the worst affected with sleep problems, with over three quarters (76%) experiencing difficulties sleeping over the last 12 months, compared to just 57% of UK adults. It's also not good news for European women who on average suffer from more sleep problems than their male counterparts (73% of women vs. 59% of men)(1).

As demonstrated by this survey, sleep habits and patterns are different throughout Europe, and reported sleep quality differs from nation to nation. No clear reason exists why some nations sleep better than others; however some links have been made to cultural behaviours and differences towards sleep.

"Sleep disorders affect some 238 million people worldwide. In the US alone, almost 60 million complain of insomnia(4)," said Executive Vice President Anders Gersel Pedersen, Head of Drug Development at Lundbeck. "Sleep is a basic human need and is as important as eating or drinking. A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep leads to long and short-term health risks."

In the short-term, people with the most common sleep disorder, insomnia, suffer from poor alertness, impaired efficiency, difficulty in concentrating and excessive daytime sleepiness(5). They also suffer from increased irritability and mood swings that can have a negative impact on relationships(6). In the longer term, there are a number of serious health implications that can be linked to sleep disorders and insomnia, including depression and anxiety, obesity, glucose intolerance leading to type 2 diabetes, weakened immune system, heart attacks, stroke and falls(7,8,9).

Notes to Editors

About the Survey

The survey polled a total of 6,694 adults (18+). Total sample sizes were 2194 adults in the UK, 1000 in Germany, France and Poland, and 500 in Czech Republic, Hungary and Portugal. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th January and 10th February 2009. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults (aged 18+) in each individual country. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Where 'European adults' have been referenced, an average figure was taken from all 7 countries.

A breakdown of the survey results can be requested from the contact provided above.

About World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day is an annual event to raise awareness of the importance of sleep for good health. This year's slogan is 'Drive alert, arrive safe'. The event is organized by the World Sleep Day Committee of the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems on society through better prevention and management of sleep disorders. Lundbeck is a gold sponsor of World Sleep Day 2009.

SOURCE H. Lundbeck A/S

Now more than ever, Americans need their shut-eye. Unfortunately, sleep is usually one of the first things people scrimp on when time is short and stress is high. In a turbulent economy, nearly 30 percent of Americans lose sleep at least a few nights per week, according to a 2009 Sleep in America poll by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Lack of sleep means more than fatigue and grouchy countenance: obesity, hypertension, increased risk for stroke and diabetes, cardiac stress, depression, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, short term memory loss have all been associated with sleep deprivation.

"Millions of Americans are feeling the financial crunch," said Craig Schwimmer, MD, MPH, FACS, founder and medical director of the Snoring Center, a medical practice dedicated to treating snoring and sleep apnea. "As a result, sleep is no longer a priority, set aside in favor of burning the midnight oil. Unfortunately, this rarely helps: the NSF found 51 percent of the American workplace reports that daytime fatigue interferes with the amount of work they get done."

Economic consequences of sleep loss cost the country an estimated $15 billion a year in increased health care costs, automobile accidents, workplace accidents, and decreased job performance, according to the Better Sleep Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on the importance of sleep. Every day, nearly 80,000 drivers fall asleep at the wheel, leading to 100,000 crashes and 8,000 deaths per year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Over half of American adults - nearly 110 million licensed drivers - have driven when drowsy at least one within the past year; 28 percent of surveyed adults admitted to nodding off or falling asleep behind the wheel.

According to the NSF 2009 Sleep in American Poll, only 28 percent of Americans get the recommended eight hours of sleep, a drop of 10 percent since 2001. Sleep loss is cumulative, too: losing one hour of sleep per night for a week is as bad as going an entire night without sleep.

Sleep loss is especially detrimental to those suffering from disruptive snoring or sleep apnea, as they are not getting restful sleep to begin with. Addressing sleep issues is critical, as what may appear as innocuous snoring can in reality be sleep apnea, a potentially-fatal condition. Sleep apnea is characterized by loud, habitual snoring and stop-breathing spells. Patients often complain of poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and morning headache, among other symptoms. Estimated to affect up to 10 percent of adult males and up to 4 percent of adult females, sleep apnea is common in overweight people and causes significant respiratory and cardiac strain.

"Sleep apnea disrupts sleep because people with sleep apnea actually wake up many times during the night (unbeknownst to them), and therefore do not get normal, restorative sleep," said Dr. Schwimmer.

While maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can vastly improve sleep apnea, for most patients, medical treatment is required. Today, minimally-invasive procedures such as the Pillar Procedure are making snoring treatments quicker, easier, and more permanent than ever before.

"The Pillar Procedure is a minimally-invasive treatment for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea that stiffens the soft palate by placing small implants inside, thus reducing palatal vibration," said Dr. Schwimmer, who is the nation's leading provider of the Pillar Procedure. "Its combination of comfort, convenience and efficacy has revolutionized procedural treatment of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea."

Whether diet and exercise or medical treatment is required to ensure adequate sleep, the point is to prioritize healthy rest. Sleep is no longer a luxury for the leisure set; it is a necessity that a stressed society must afford.

About The Snoring Center

The Snoring Center(SM) is a unique medical practice dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea with effective, minimally-invasive treatments. Founded by Craig Schwimmer, MD, MPH, FACS, a Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, it is the world's leading provider of the Pillar Procedure and offers additional office-based treatments for sleep-disordered breathing.

Snoring can be indicative of serious health problems; even mild snoring can disrupt sleep, depriving snorers and their bed partners of the rest they need. Lack of sleep can cause everything from fatigue and short tempers to decreased job performance and auto accidents. The Snoring Center specializes in minimally-invasive, out-patient treatment options, including the Pillar Procedure and turbinate coblation.  For more information please visit www.snoringcenter.com.

SOURCE The Snoring Center