Shaping Sleep: The AASM’s Legacy, Research, and Advocacy – EP 17 w/ Dr. Anita Shelgikar & Melissa Clark

In Episode 17, Ryan is joined by Dr. Anita Shelgikar and Melissa Clark to explore the history, research, and advocacy efforts of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and how the organization continues to shape the field of sleep medicine today. Dr. Shelgikar, Immediate Past President of the AASM Foundation, breaks down the latest sleep research, how the AASM funds groundbreaking studies, and what recent discoveries are changing the way we understand sleep health. Melissa Clark, Director of Advocacy and Public Awareness at the AASM, discusses the AASM’s founding in 1975, the challenges it overcame, and its ongoing work to influence public policy and expand access to sleep care. This episode dives into the connections between sleep research, healthcare policy, and patient care, highlighting how the AASM drives innovation in sleep medicine and what the future of the field looks like. Whether you're interested in scientific advancements, sleep advocacy, or how policy shapes sleep health, this episode has something for you! Links from AASM: Student Sleep health Week- typically held in the 2nd week of September each year, to increase public awareness about the importance of sleep health for students’ success and well-being. A high School video contest that is held every year between January – March. Free educational resources teach school students (of all grades) about the importance of sleep health (read here) Public awareness on the topic of school start times can be found here. Posters/ infographics and more: Make sleep a priority, Sleep recharges you , Educational Video, Bedtime calculator Educator resources Blog posts- here. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.