American Sleep Apnea Association

Background
The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 by persons with sleep apnea and concerned health care providers and researchers.

ASAA Mission
The ASAA's mission is reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea and enhancing the well being of those affected by this disorder.

ASAA Activities
The ASAA provides information on sleep apnea to the public and answers questions about diagnosis and treatment options. The ASAA works with other non-profit organizations and societies of 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.

The ASAA publishes bulletins, newsletters, and position statements on various subjects related to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. These publications provide medical, social, and legal information relevant to those with sleep apnea. The ASAA encourages screening for those that may have sleep apnea by providing general information on the condition as well as a self-diagnostic test.

Sleep Apnea Support Groups
The ASAA provides access to the A.W.A.K.E. Network, a network of support groups for those with sleep apnea. "A.W.A.K.E." is an acronym for "Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic." Founded in 1988 as a mutual-help support group for persons affected by sleep apnea, the A.W.A.K.E. Network is now composed of more than 300 groups in 47 states. A.W.A.K.E. meetings typically feature guest speakers who address topics such as complying with CPAP therapy, legal issues affecting those with sleep apnea, weight loss, treatment options such as oral appliances, and new research findings. The ASAA also sponsors an online support group as an alternative to the A.W.A.K.E. groups.