Perspective: Sleep at the USA Science and Engineering Festival—A New Outreach for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Abstract

This April, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) took part as exhibitors at the USA Science and Engineering Festival in Washington, DC. This was AASM's first time attending the festival which is the largest conference of its kind promoting and celebrating science and technology in the United States hosting 370,000 attendees including schoolchildren, educators, and the general public. The AASM's exhibit featured interactive games as well as materials aimed at the promotion of healthy sleep habits in all age groups. A few individuals presented with more specific questions and were provided education and directed to online resources approved by the Academy. It was apparent that many people were unaware of the field of sleep medicine and responded favorably to our presence. We hope our account of the experience helps inform thought on further direction the AASM takes in the realm of public outreach and education.