Introduced by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) to educate the public about the importance of sleep to both health and lifestyle, National Sleep Awareness Week® is March 7-13, 2010.  

One very common, but major detriment to adequate, high quality sleep is snoring.  NSF research suggests that:

• Approximately 90 million Americans suffer from snoring
• 23% of couples sleep apart because of snoring
• A substantial percentage of couples are too tired or fatigued for a normal sex life

Historically, snoring has been considered an inconvenience rather than a serious medical condition. That perception is rapidly changing. The effects of sleep loss caused by snoring include fatigue, lack of focus and productivity.  But more importantly, research now indicates a strong link between loss of sleep and medical conditions such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes and hypertension.  Snoring can also have a significant lifestyle impact on couples, and can be a cause of tension or resentment in a marriage or relationship.

SERENO, THE CENTER FOR SNORING SOLUTIONS, a new medical practice based in San Francisco, offers leading-edge, medically proven treatments for snoring in a confidential, professional environment.  

Dr. Matthew Mingrone, medical director of Sereno and a board-certified Otolaryngologist, is a specialist in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea.  According to Dr. Mingrone, "Snoring treatments now available are safe, minimally invasive, simple, and potentially life-changing.   Sereno is ground-breaking in its unique, patient-centered, and highly effective approach to improving the lives of snorers.  We understand and treat this area of medicine specifically, and far more comprehensively than would be undertaken by a traditional medical practice.   Sereno is the premier practice in the United States dedicated entirely to the treatment of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea."

A recent Sereno patient had the following to say about his treatment, "The level of excellence from pre-patient to post-patient care to results far exceeded my cautious optimism.  Last night was the first time since childhood that I didn't snore during a night's sleep.   I, along with my father, underwent the minimally invasive procedure to reduce/cure snoring. Our significant others, the true beneficiaries, have been thrilled with the results. Clearly, I'm a believer and so is my father. We recommend this procedure for all our fellow snorers."

Dr. Matthew Mingrone has extensive experience treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and has worked with hundreds of patients whose snoring has had an impact on their marriages, relationships, work, quality of life, and general health.  Using FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedures, which are virtually painless, Dr. Mingrone makes a positive difference in the lives of his patients.  "We recognize the other health issues associated with lack of sleep caused by snoring.  While each patient needs to be individually evaluated, we can make a substantial improvement to the condition in most people. Two things are certain: Snoring is nothing to be ashamed of.  And snoring is definitely not funny."

Visit www.serenocenter.com to learn more.

October 28, 2009 Complete Response Letter

As previously announced, the FDA stated in the CRL that it believes Transcept has submitted substantial evidence of effectiveness for the use of Intermezzo® in the as-needed treatment of insomnia when a middle of the night awakening is followed by difficulty returning to sleep.  However, the FDA indicated that the intended use of Intermezzo® in the middle of the night represents a unique insomnia indication and dosing strategy for which safety has not been previously established, and that the Intermezzo® NDA could not be approved in its present form.

The FDA further recognized that the Intermezzo® data submitted by Transcept did not indicate next day residual effects significantly different from placebo.  However, the FDA requested additional data demonstrating that Intermezzo®, when taken as directed in the middle of the night, would not present an unacceptable risk of residual effects, with particular reference to next day driving ability.  

The FDA expressed two concerns regarding the possibility of patient dosing errors in the middle of the night that could lead to next day residual effects, with particular reference to next day driving ability.  Specifically, the FDA asked Transcept to address methods to avoid inadvertent dosing with less than four hours of bedtime remaining and inadvertent re-dosing in a single night.  

Redesigned Packaging and Patient Instructions

In the briefing document submitted prior to the January 20, 2010 meeting, Transcept proposed a new Intermezzo® bedside unit-dose package and patient instructions designed to reduce the possibility of patient dosing errors.  In the meeting minutes, the FDA indicated that the revised packaging appeared to reduce the potential for inadvertently taking more than one dose in a single night.  However, the FDA expressed a remaining concern that the revised packaging may not adequately address the risk of dosing with less than four hours of time remaining in bed, with particular regard to the possibility of impaired driving.

Transcept and the FDA also reviewed the types of data that could support the evaluation of the proposed packaging and instructions, including data from pre-approval assessments of patient understanding of dosing instructions and a potential patient use study of the new Intermezzo® packaging.  As requested by the FDA, Transcept has provided information on the challenges and limitations of pre-approval patient use studies, and has submitted a plan to assess and optimize patient understanding of the new packaging and patient instructions.

Intermezzo® Safety Profile Characterization

To further understand the safety of dosing Intermezzo® in the middle of the night, Transcept has proposed to the FDA to conduct a pre-approval highway driving study to assess the effect of Intermezzo® on driving ability beginning at approximately three hours and four hours post-dosing.  Transcept has also submitted additional supportive analyses of data from a previously conducted Intermezzo® pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study at time points up to four hours post-dosing.  Results from this study were published in a 2008 article titled "Daytime pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evaluation of low-dose sublingual transmucosal zolpidem hemitartrate" in the journal Human Psychopharmacology, an abstract of which is publicly available at www.interscience.wiley.com.

FDA Review of Transcept Post-Meeting Proposals

In the meeting on January 20, 2010, the FDA agreed to review the revised proposal for the Intermezzo® NDA resubmission and consider its adequacy to support the potential approval of Intermezzo®.  The FDA has not set a date for the completion of its review of this proposal or the timing of its response to Transcept.  Transcept plans to provide an update on the Intermezzo® development program, as appropriate, after it receives the results of the FDA's review of the revised proposal.  

Glenn A. Oclassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcept, commented, "We are encouraged by the progress made in our recent interactions with the FDA, and appreciate the FDA's willingness to engage in a collaborative dialogue in order to help define the steps necessary for us to resubmit the Intermezzo® NDA."

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary products that address important therapeutic needs in neuroscience. The most advanced Transcept product candidate is Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), for which a New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2008 seeking approval as a prescription sleep aid for use in the middle of the night at the time a patient awakens and has difficulty returning to sleep. In October 2009, Transcept received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA on the Intermezzo® NDA and is working to respond to issues raised in the letter. Transcept and Purdue Pharmaceutical Products, L.P. have entered into a collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of Intermezzo® in the United States. For further information, please visit the company's website at: www.transcept.com.

The Sleep to Live diagnostics system includes a patented diagnostic sleep-profiling process which collects data through hundreds of sensors that perform 18 statistical measurements and more than 1,000 calculations. The diagnostics system is a comprehensive instrument for personalized sleep measurement and management. Upgrades to the computer program, which guarantees that each Sleep to Live mattress is a custom experience, were introduced to ensure customers get a precise personalized profile.

In addition, Sleep to Live has added My Side Technology® for customers with sleep partners. This unique system provides My Side support zones to correspond to each person's body type. The diagnostic system measures each partner to provide postural support to both unique body types, eliminating sleep partner disturbance, which is caused by an individual's sleep companion's movement and motion.

Along with making the at-home experience better for its customers, Sleep to Live has enhanced the in-store experience by providing three specialized consumer experiences. Working with our retail partners, and some of the world's most talented display companies, Sleep to Live introduced their newest display for the diagnostics system, which is scalable depending on retailers' needs. The new Sleep to Live display enhances the consumer experience and brings mattress shopping to a new level.

"At Sleep to Live, we are changing the way people sleep," said Eric Hinshaw, chairman and CEO of Kingsdown, Inc. "With our latest updates and technological advances, our products now offer the highest standards in the industry and give retailers and customers a more individualized, customizable approach to analyzing sleep choices and selecting the best mattress."

Sleep to Live was developed by industry leader and innovator, Kingsdown, Inc., a company founded in 1904 in Mebane, NC, that serves leading retailers across the United States, and in over 20 countries.  The Sleep to Live system is a new generation in sleep technology to determine the best sleep surface for your body. Products are made to order using handcrafted techniques combined with state-of-the-art materials and equipment. Research and development, training and distribution facilities, as well as two manufacturing facilities are also located at its Mebane headquarters. International offices are located in Bangkok, Thailand and Tokyo, Japan. Additional manufacturing and distribution centers are located in Winchester, VA; Muskogee, OK; Lakeland, FL; Knoxville, TN; Toronto and Calgary, Ontario; Derby, UK; and Melbourne, Australia. For more information, visit www.sleeptolive.com.

SOURCE Sleep to Live

Like the TEMPUR-Cloud™ Supreme that launched last fall as part of the TEMPUR-Cloud Collection, the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe and TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow feature the all-new, revolutionary TEMPUR-ES™ material. TEMPUR-ES is a breakthrough in sleep technology that creates a soft, pillowy sleep surface while still providing Tempur-Pedic's customary pressure-relieving comfort and therapeutic support. The core of the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe will feature a thicker layer of TEMPUR-ES atop TEMPUR-HD® for a luxuriant and restful sleep experience. The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow, filled with thousands of TEMPUR-ES micro-cushions, provides unparalleled neck support and soft-as-a-cloud comfort, ideal for all sleepers.

"The TEMPUR-Cloud Collection was developed through extensive research and a deep understanding of what many consumers want most in a mattress - softness and support without the problems they experience with traditional pillow-tops," said Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America. "We have already seen strong sales for the TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme, and are confident consumers will be just as excited about the newest additions to the TEMPUR-Cloud Collection."

The TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme is currently available at Tempur-Pedic retailers and through tempurpedic.com. The TEMPUR-Cloud™ will become available later this month and will retail for $1,999 (Queen Flat Set). The TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow will be in stores and online early this summer and will retail for $129 (Standard Size). Available this fall, the TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe, the most luxurious mattress in the collection, will retail for $3,999 (Queen Flat Set) and, like all Tempur-Pedic mattresses, will come with a 20-year limited warranty. For more information on the TEMPUR-Cloud, TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme and other Tempur-Pedic products, visit tempurpedic.com. Additional TEMPUR-Cloud Luxe and TEMPUR-Cloud Pillow information will become available later this year.

Conference Call Information

Domestic callers: 1- 888-806-6202

International callers: 1- 913-312-6680

Webcast information: http://ir.vivus.com. A webcast replay will be available on the VIVUS web site for 30 days.

About the Sleep Apnea (OB-204) Study

The phase 2 study (OB-204) was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial including obese men and women (BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2 inclusive), 30 to 65 years of age with OSA (apnea/hypopnea index greater than or equal to 15) at baseline, who had not been treated with, or who were not compliant with continuous airway pressure (CPAP) devices within three months of screening. Patients were randomized to placebo or full-dose Qnexa. Patients underwent a four-week dose titration followed by 24 weeks of additional treatment. All patients were also provided with a lifestyle modification program focusing on diet and exercise. Overnight polysomnography was performed at baseline, Week 8 and Week 28. The primary endpoint was the change in Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) between baseline and Week 28; secondary endpoints included weight loss, oxygen saturation and changes in blood pressure.

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that involves a decrease or complete halt in airflow despite an ongoing effort to breathe. Approximately 18 million Americans are living with OSA, though an estimated 90 percent of patients remain undiagnosed or untreated. Studies have identified a relationship between OSA and a number of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, stroke, congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Currently, there are no pharmacotherapy agents approved to treat sleep apnea. More information on sleep apnea can be found on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website at: http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/FactSheets/SleepApnea.pdf

Source: VIVUS

The Waismann Method, a pioneering medical opiate detoxification procedure, offers one of the most advanced medical procedures worldwide with the medical expertise and advanced technology to treat dependencies to Zolpidem, a prescription medication widely used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and prescribed under trade names including Ambien and Edluar. The Waismann Method of Rapid Ambien Detox involves a safe, medically-assisted treatment to Ambien addiction in a hospital setting. This approach offers patients an alternative to traditional Ambien detoxification, which even when done gradually, can be extremely dangerous and even life threatening.

"Sleep problems are common in today's society. Ambien and other prescription sleep aids can help insomnia, but should only be taken as an interim resolution," said Dr. Michael Lowenstein, co-director for the Waismann Method. "When Ambien is taken for an extended period of time or in high doses, users can develop a tolerance to the drug, making it habit forming. Misuse of Ambien can potentially lead to short-term memory loss as well as bizarre side effects such as binge eating or sleepwalking."

Ambien, the brand name of Zolpidem, is a non-narcotic sleep aid meant for short-term treatment. It is considered a Schedule IV Controlled Substance in the U.S. and is a central nervous system depressant which slows normal brain activity. The sedative is also considered a hypnotic with effects similar to drugs in the benzodiazepine family such as Xanax, though they are molecularly different. Ambien can impair thinking and reaction time so users should avoid tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

According to Lowenstein, if a user develops a tolerance to Ambien and attempts to abruptly discontinue use, serious withdrawal symptoms can arise including insomnia, fatigue, panic attacks, stomach cramps, muscle cramps, sweating, shaking and seizures. Gradually decreasing daily intake is the best way to wean from Ambien, but many people need medically-supervised treatment. "Trying to detox on your own can be dangerous and should be supervised in a medical setting where withdrawal can be managed," Lowenstein adds.

Medically assisted withdrawal using Rapid Ambien Detox enables individuals to safely and comfortably reverse their dependence without difficult and prolonged withdrawal. The Waismann Method of Rapid Ambien Detox takes approximately seven to ten days, as opposed to traditional detoxification methods that require 30 to 90 days or more, and can be administered alone or concurrently with deep sedation detoxification from opiates.

Patients in the Waismann program are supervised closely in a hospital setting to maximize success and safety. All Waismann Method physicians are Board Certified in Anesthesiology, Pain Management, and Addiction Medicine. Treatment is tailored to the unique medical needs of each individual patient.

To learn more about Rapid Ambien Detox or the Waismann Method call 1-800-423-2482 or visit www.opiates.com.

About The Waismann Method:  Performed in a hospital, the Waismann Method involves the administration of medications to reverse the physiological dependence on opiates or Zolpidem while the symptoms of withdrawal are addressed. During the procedure, the patient experiences minimal withdrawal, and will be able to return home within days. Seventy-five percent of the prescription drug dependent patients who are treated with the Waismann Method remain drug free after one year.

SOURCE Waismann Method

Participants in the financing include Domain Associates, New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Polaris Venture Partners and Michael Berman. The current board includes Robert Atkinson, CEO, and Michael Berman, Chairman, together with Brian Chee, John Nehra and Nimesh Shah representing Polaris, NEA and Domain, respectively. This financing brings the total investment in Apnex Medical to $30 million.

"We are very excited about the early results with the Apnex Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (HGNS(TM)) System in our clinical study. Our technology really has the potential to change the lives of people suffering from OSA. This round of financing will allow us to finish our initial clinical study and get us that much closer to market," said Robert Atkinson, CEO.

"From prior research published by Drs. Alan Schwartz and Philip Smith, we know that hypoglossal nerve stimulation has the potential to reduce OSA severity. The clinical study of the Apnex HGNS System should provide evidence of its safety and effectiveness over time," said Mr. Atkinson. Drs. Schwartz and Smith, both Professors of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, are among the early pioneers in this field and serve as consultants to Apnex Medical.

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

"OSA is a very serious health condition, and if left untreated, it can lead to major health problems. Currently the majority of sleep apnea remains undiagnosed and among those who are diagnosed, many are either untreated or only partially treated. Thus, many of us are supportive of research into new forms of therapy," said Atul Malhotra, Medical Director of the Brigham and Women's Sleep Disorders Research Program and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Malhotra performs research into the mechanisms underlying sleep apnea and serves as a consultant to Apnex Medical. Malhotra further stated, "If you think you have a sleep problem, you should talk to your doctor or consider seeing a specialist."

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 100 million people worldwide are suspected to have OSA. In the United States, symptomatic OSA affects 1 in 4 men and 1 in 9 women. OSA causes fragmented sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness, resulting in an increased risk in accidents and lost productivity. Untreated OSA is also associated with an increased risk in stroke, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have also confirmed that untreated OSA is associated with an increased risk of death. Current OSA treatments are not always successful or well tolerated. The Apnex HGNS System is designed to provide an alternative treatment for OSA that addresses these problems.

SOURCE Apnex Medical, Inc.

The expertise of these sleep programs combined with their geographic reach extends high quality sleep medicine services throughout the country under one network. Each SleepPartners member shares a common vision of the value of sleep as it relates to overall health and wellness. Beyond local sleep medicine centers, the network offers services on a national basis, such as corporate wellness and payer disease management programs.

A recent example is the latest recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board that all transportation providers test their employees for sleep apnea. The SleepPartners network is in an optimal position to design and implement customized sleep testing programs for these national organizations.

"Corporate Wellness Programs educate employees on the importance of sleep, screen employees for sleep disorders, diagnose those screened as high-risk and then provide treatment options and follow-up care. The SleepPartners network members provide the flexibility and responsiveness critical to offering these services nationally," said Paul Valentine, CEO of Sleep HealthCenters.

Each SleepPartners center reflects a consistent level of quality, evidenced by accreditation through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or The Joint Commission, board-certified sleep specialists, and the ability to provide a comprehensive sleep medicine program including evaluation, diagnostics, treatment and long-term management for all sleep disorders.

"The SleepPartners network allows our centers to be connected to other sleep centers in the country who share a unified approach to sleep medicine," states Joseph M. Ojile, MD, Medical Director of the Clayton Sleep Institute in St. Louis. "This ensures consistent care and a high level of quality is maintained, whether a patient or employer is in Boston, St. Louis, or Phoenix."

The SleepPartners network currently includes close to 100 centers across the United States and is increasing to offer sleep medicine services in every major region in the United States.

SOURCE Sleep HealthCenters

Studies show 60 percent of U.S. motorists have driven while fatigued and nearly 37 percent admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel.

Drowsy driving is especially prevalent among teens, who tend to keep late hours and think they can function on minimal sleep. Teens actually require more sleep than adults.

NRSF urges drivers to be alert to signs of drowsiness while driving:

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, rubbing eyes
• Daydreaming or not remembering the last few miles driven
• Head snaps, yawning
• Drifting out of your lane, tailgating or hitting rumble strips
  

If you experience any of these warning signs, pull over safely and take a break. Have a cup of coffee or a caffeinated snack or take a 20-minute nap. Allow 30 minutes for caffeine to enter your bloodstream. Never drink alcohol before driving and know if any medications you take might induce drowsiness.

The National Road Safety Foundation, with National Organizations for Youth Safety, is sponsoring a competition for young people ages 13 - 22, inviting ideas for public service announcements that address drowsy driving or other safety issues including speeding, seat belt usage, and driving while drunk or distracted. The winner will receive $1,000 and a trip to New York to see the idea professionally produced into a public service announcement that will air on TV nationwide. Entry deadline is Nov. 21. Information is at www.drivetolife.com.

For more than 45 years, the National Road Safety Foundation has produced films and teaching materials that have been used to train millions of young drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding and aggressive driving. To download or receive a free copy of the Foundation's program on drowsy driving, "Almost Home," and other free driver education programs, visit the NRSF website at www.nrsf.org.

To see press release go to http://myprgenie.com/2862

Contact: David Reich, david@nrsf.org, 212 573-6000

SOURCE The National Road Safety Foundation

In the Complete Response Letter the FDA stated that it believes Transcept has submitted substantial evidence of effectiveness for the use of Intermezzo® in the as-needed treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty returning to sleep after awakening in the middle of the night. The FDA further recognized that the Intermezzo® data submitted by Transcept did not indicate significant next day residual effects. However, the FDA indicated that the intended use of Intermezzo® in the middle of the night represents a unique insomnia indication and dosing strategy for which safety has not been previously established.

The FDA requested additional data demonstrating that Intermezzo®, when taken as directed in the middle of the night, would not present an unacceptable risk of residual effects, with particular reference to next day driving ability.

The FDA also expressed two concerns regarding the possibility of patient dosing errors in the middle of the night that could lead to next day residual effects. Specifically, the FDA has asked Transcept to address methods to avoid inadvertent dosing with less than four hours of bedtime remaining, and inadvertent re-dosing in a single night.

Based upon the content of the letter, it is possible that Transcept will need to conduct one or more additional safety studies. Transcept will request a meeting with the FDA to discuss specific requirements for approval.

Glenn A. Oclassen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcept, commented, "Transcept is committed to making this important new potential therapy available to insomnia patients. We will continue to work closely with the FDA to address their questions and define the path forward for Intermezzo®."

Conference Call Scheduled

Transcept will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the Complete Response Letter on Thursday, October 29, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Telephone numbers for the live conference call are 866-206-7202 (U.S.) or 703-639-1112 (International). The webcast can be accessed on the Investors page of the Transcept website at www.transcept.com and will be available for replay until close of business on November 12, 2009. A playback of the call will be available through November 12, 2009 through a telephone replay number that can be obtained through Transcept at 510-215-3500.

About Intermezzo®

Intermezzo® (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), the lead product candidate at Transcept, has the potential to be the first prescription sleep aid specifically approved for use in the middle of the night at the time a patient awakens and has difficulty returning to sleep. Intermezzo® is a sublingual low dose formulation of zolpidem, the active agent most commonly prescribed in the United States for the treatment of insomnia. Intermezzo® uses approximately one-quarter to one-third of the dose of active drug contained in currently marketed zolpidem-based sleep aids, in a formulation designed to promote rapid sublingual absorption.

Two Phase 3 clinical studies evaluated 376 patients receiving either Intermezzo® or placebo. In the first study, a sleep laboratory trial using an objective polysomnographic endpoint, Intermezzo® demonstrated a statistically significant decrease versus placebo in the time it took patients to return to sleep as measured by Latency to Persistent Sleep. In the second study, an outpatient trial, Intermezzo® demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in Latency to Sleep Onset, a subjective patient reported endpoint. The most common adverse event seen in these trials was headache (2.7 percent active versus 1.4 percent placebo in the outpatient study).

Transcept is actively pursuing patents to protect Intermezzo® in the United States and key non-U.S. markets, and, as part of the NDA submission, has requested that the FDA grant three years of Hatch-Waxman marketing exclusivity to Intermezzo®.

SOURCE Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

"From that time, my medical career has been focused on finding effective treatment for CFS and its painful cousin fibromyalgia, which together afflict at least 12 million Americans," explained Dr. Teitelbaum, who serves as medical director of the national Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers www.fibroandfatigue.com. His landmark study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 8:2, 2001) showed that 91 percent of patients using his SHINE treatment protocol improved, with an average improvement in quality of life of 90 percent.

"SHINE stands for Sleep, Hormones, Infections, Nutrition and Exercise--the critical areas we focus on treating to help CFS patients get their lives back," said Dr. Teitelbaum. "Our free online symptom analysis program helps to streamline the process, customizing treatments that you and your physician can easily incorporate."

Although many stresses, including numerous infections, can trigger CFS, Dr. Teitelbaum identifies hypothalamic dysfunction as the mechanism responsible for the wide range of disabling and seemingly unconnected symptoms suffered by CFS patients. "If you're exhausted but can't sleep, experience brain fog, weight gain, achiness, and low libido--it's highly likely that you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," he explained. "When the system is over-stressed, the hypothalamus acts like a circuit breaker that shuts off the power to protect body and mind from further damage.

"I know what patients are going through," Dr. Teitelbaum concluded. "Regardless of what doctors may have told you in the past, this disease is real, but it is treatable and you can get your life back."

For more information, visit http://www.endfatigue.com. Also see Dr. Teitelbaum's blog entries on Dr. Oz's website at http://www.doctoroz.com/expert/jacob-teitelbaum-md.

SOURCE Dr. Teitelbaum