National Health Council — Voluntary Health Agency Guide

National Sleep Foundation

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting education, sleep-related research, and advocacy. Established in 1990 and led by a 25-member Board of Directors consisting of both experts and patient and community advocates, NSF builds on volunteer involvement, philanthropic support, and the involvement of experts and patients to promote sleep education and sleep awareness. NSF is supported by memberships, grants, contributions and partnerships.

About the condition(s):

National Sleep Foundation polls conducted annually show that Americans of all ages get less sleep on average than they feel they need to perform and function optimally during the day. We are a sleepy nation! What's more, seven out of ten adults report having sleep problems at least a few nights a week compounding the problem of insufficient sleep. Increasing weight, stress and the aging of our population make us more prone to sleep disorders. Research is showing that both sleep deprivation and sleep disorders have a very important effect on our health, but they also make us prone to depression and mood disorders, hamper our concentration, learning and work productivity, and can risk our safety if we drive with less attention or fall asleep at the wheel of a car.

NSF is dedicated to not only educating about sleep, but also to helping America to be more "sleep friendly," by helping communities, institutions and organizations recognize the benefits from ensuring that every one of their members gets sufficient, high quality sleep every night.