#United States #Washington #Board of Directors #National Sleep Foundation #Sleep Science

National Sleep Foundation Expands its Board Members for Better Sleep Advocacy

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) has recently made major strides in strengthening its leadership by appointing four new members to its Board of Directors. Committed to advancing the organization’s mission of improving health and well-being through better sleep education, these new board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise in various fields related to sleep science.

New Members Bring Valuable Expertise

The following four individuals have been appointed:

1. Anne-Marie Chang, PhD - An Associate Professor at Penn State University, Dr. Chang specializes in biobehavioral health, focusing on sleep physiology and behavior. Her work intricately examines how factors like circadian rhythms and light exposure—especially from electronic devices—affect sleep and health, particularly in adolescents. Dr. Chang has previously contributed her insights as a member of NSF's Screen Use and Sleep Consensus Panel and sits on the editorial board of NSF’s journal, Sleep Health®.

2. Steven K. Howard, MD - A Professor Emeritus at Stanford Medicine, Dr. Howard's research centers on how sleepiness and fatigue influence medical professionals. He employs simulation techniques to train healthcare workers in crisis resource management, measuring the effects of sleep on performance. As a recognized lecturer on the implications of sleep deprivation among physicians, his findings are crucial in understanding how fatigue impacts healthcare delivery.

3. Jeffrey Michael, EdD - Currently a Distinguished Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy, Dr. Michael focuses on safety improvements in driving through technology. His work addresses how emerging mobility technologies can promote safer driving conditions and reduce health disparities. He is pioneering efforts to develop evidence-based policies aimed at improving public health through transportation.

4. Gina C. Pervall, MD - The National Medical Director at LifeHealth LLC, Dr. Pervall brings extensive experience in health services and workplace wellness. She has held significant positions, such as Medical Director for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where she created guidelines that aided in advancing workplace safety. Furthermore, Dr. Pervall has previously served on the NSF's Board of Directors, which enhances her depth of understanding of sleep-related issues relevant to public health and safety.

The Impact of New Leadership

John Lopos, CEO of NSF, expressed gratitude for the new members, stating that their collective expertise will greatly benefit the organization’s initiatives.

“NSF’s work connecting sleep to health, performance, and safety benefits broad segments of the public. Each new board member brings immense knowledge and a real-world perspective that will help translate sleep science into practical programs impacting daily life,” he noted.

The National Sleep Foundation, an independent nonprofit founded in 1990, has been at the forefront of advancing sleep health research and education. With over 35 years of experience, NSF remains dedicated to providing expert recommendations and guidelines for achieving optimal sleep health.

Looking to the Future

The appointment of these experts signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing awareness and understanding of sleep's role in overall health and wellness. As they integrate their findings into NSF’s existing framework, the organization is poised to make significant advancements in the quality of sleep health resources available to the public.

For further information about the National Sleep Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.theNSF.org or explore SleepHealthJournal.org.