American Sleep Apnea Association Rebrands as Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network (WSCN)
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks a transformative moment in the 35-year history of the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA). The organization proudly rebrands as the Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network (WSCN), a global "KNOWLEDGE HUB" empowering anyone, anywhere to own all 24 hours with practical, science-based tools that improve sleep, circadian health, and overall well-being.
WSCN, pronounced "WISSEN" (means "knowledge"), and builds upon ASAA's legacy of advocacy, education, research and support for people with sleep apnea. It is now expanding its reach to address the growing global demand for guidance around whole-day health. The organization is redefining what it means to live well and make every moment count, acknowledging that life happens 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
"When we were building out our new direction, the concern was that no one knows what circadian means. My response? Exactly. That's our purpose. Share the words to what we experience across all 24 hours," said Dr. Anne Marie Morse, Chair of the Board of Directors for WSCN and a nationally recognized leader in sleep and circadian medicine.
It's Time to Own All 24 Hours
Sleep is the body's repair crew. Circadian rhythms are its master schedule. When aligned, they power our energy, mood, immunity, productivity, and mental health. But when disrupted, the risks are substantial: heart disease, depression, diabetes, even cancer. New research continues to illuminate the central role of circadian biology in overall health. WSCN is here to translate that science into accessible tools, education, and community connection.
"Our name says it all," said Morse. "The Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network reflects our vision to be a global masterclock, harmonizing health across all hours of the day and night."
What's Changing and What's Staying the Same
As WSCN, the organization's scope is expanding, but its foundation remains rooted in the trust and services built under the ASAA name. Existing programs like the AWAKE Peer Mentor Program, CPAP Assistance Program, and Patient Leadership in Research (PLIR) will remain pillars of support. These are now complemented by:
Expanded resources on circadian health, helping individuals better understand their internal body clocks
A more integrated approach to health and wellness, connecting sleep with mental, emotional, and physical performance
A global community movement, uniting patients, researchers, clinicians, and advocates around the power of 24-hour health
"We're not abandoning the sleep apnea community. We're evolving with them," said WSCN Chief Transformation Officer, Gilles Frydman. "Sleep apnea doesn't exist in isolation, and neither should our solutions. WSCN builds on ASAA's legacy and brings the full 24—hour biology into focus, bridging the gap between day and night"
A New Era of Impact
With a name inspired by both knowledge (wissen) and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN)—the brain's biological timekeeper—WSCN is setting out to be the trusted Knowledge Hub for all aspects of health and wellness and how they intersect with sleep & circadian science. Empowering and motivating their community to boldly use every moment to live maximally and achieve their goals.
WSCN will continue investing in education, partnerships, and research that prioritize lived experience. It will also advocate for sleep and circadian science to be recognized as core pillars of healthcare systems, wellness strategies, and daily life.
This rebrand is more than a facelift. It is a call to action.
"This isn't just a rebrand," Morse added. "It's a global movement. A bigger, bolder commitment to every person who wants to reclaim their health, one day and night at a time."
Join the Movement
WSCN invites everyone—from longtime supporters to those who want to use the power of sleep and circadian health—to become part of its growing global community.
Visit www.sleephealth.org
Explore educational resources
Join community events and advocacy initiatives
Support programs through donations or sponsorship
Because your best night fuels your best day, and your best self is powered by all 24 hours.
Media Contact:Chloe PhamCommunications ManagerEmail: 396306@email4pr.comWebsite: www.sleephealth.org
About WSCN Founded in 1990 as the American Sleep Apnea Association, the Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network (WSCN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that bridges the gap between day and night. WSCN translates cutting-edge sleep and circadian science into practical tools that help people sleep better, live better, and thrive. As the trusted global Knowledge Hub, WSCN unites research, education, and community to drive whole-day wellness.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-sleep-apnea-association-rebrands-as-wellness-sleep--circadian-network-wscn-302475339.html
SOURCE Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network (WSCN)
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Forbes
9 hours ago
- Forbes
Block Out Nighttime Noise With The Best Earplugs For Sleep
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Associated Press
14 hours ago
- Associated Press
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CNN
14 hours ago
- CNN
Taking GLP-1s for weight loss? Here's why strength training is key
Wellness Food & health Prescription drugsFacebookTweetLink Follow Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your doctor. Stop immediately if you experience pain. More than 15 million Americans are now losing weight with GLP-1 drugs. The medications — drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro that were originally created to treat type 2 diabetes — have been shown to produce superior weight loss effects with little risk, according to a 2023 study. If you're taking one or considering it, though, it's important to remember that using the drugs to suppress appetite doesn't just contribute to fat loss. Taking them also can result in reduced muscle mass. How much is uncertain, but studies have indicated that anywhere between 15% to 60% of the weight people lose is lean muscle mass — meaning that if you shed 50 pounds, you will potentially be losing 7.5 to 30 pounds of your lean muscle. 'Many patients underestimate their weakness when on these drugs until it shows up functionally, like when they're going up the stairs,' said Dr. Peter Wenger, an affiliate clinical assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Wenger is also a family medicine and sports medicine physician in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, who regularly works with people on GLP-1s. If you're on a GLP-1 weight-loss program, it's important to formulate a weekly exercise routine that includes strength training to protect your health and your physical independence. Strong muscles are key to maintaining sturdy bones and preventing falls, and they are important for long-term metabolic health. Exercise and strength training to stave off too much muscle loss are especially critical if you're 65 or older. 'People 65 and above are already at risk of sarcopenia,' said Dr. Viral Shah, an endocrinologist and director of diabetes clinical research at the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass, strength and function. 'If those people lose even 10% to 15% of lean mass, it's still significant because they have low mass to begin with.' But lost muscle mass isn't good for anyone, no matter your age. 'Even when you're relatively young, you feel so much older because you lose muscle mass so rapidly on these drugs,' Wenger said. Wenger and other experts share tips on how to safely build muscle strength while using a GLP-1. Before you rush to the gym and start pumping iron, be aware that while on a GLP-1, you may experience a reduced appetite and nausea, especially during the dose-adjustment phase at the start of your treatment. You may also feel fatigued and dizzy. As a result, your strength training should begin with a lower intensity than the average person, and your progression to heavier weights should be more gradual. 'We recommend shorter sessions to accommodate nausea or fatigue,' Wenger said. 'We also focus on complex dynamic movements like squats and dead lifts more than machines, as they teach coordination in using different body parts simultaneously.' Ideally, a professional will develop an individualized exercise plan for you. If that's not possible, Shah's general recommendation to his GLP-1 patients is to do resistance exercises three times per week and aerobic exercise another three days. Regular movement is definitely important, said Stan Ward, senior personal training manager at fitness club Equinox, who is based in Plano, Texas. 'Movement can be very productive for your energy levels, even if it's low-level movement like walking or biking,' Ward said. 'And make sure you're getting adequate sleep. That's commonly overlooked.' Experts emphasize the importance of taking in enough protein every day, which is key to building muscle. Specifically, Shah said people on GLP-1s need about 1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of weight. For someone weighing 150 pounds (68 kilograms), that equals 68 to 81.6 grams of protein daily. The timing of your protein intake, along with the necessary carbohydrates, is also important. 'Because people on GLP-1s have reduced appetites and sometimes nausea, that can lead to underfueling,' Wenger said. 'They will often not eat for extended periods of time. But if you don't plan your meals around your workouts, that can contribute to even more muscle loss.' This is because your body needs nutrients both to fuel your workouts and, afterward, to replenish your energy stores and repair muscle tissue. Wenger recommends eating an hour or two before exercising since GLP-1s slow digestion. 'Eating too close to a workout may lead to bloating, nausea and cramping,' Wenger said, 'particularly with moderate to high-intensity training.' Liquid snacks such as smoothies are best, he said, as they're better tolerated than solid food. After your workout, refuel within 30 to 60 minutes, which is when your muscles will be ready to take in nutrients. 'If your appetite is low, a protein shake or small snack with protein and carbs, such as Greek yogurt with fruit or chocolate milk, can be more manageable than a full meal,' Wenger said. All this planning may sound like a lot of work, but there is good news, Ward said. 'It can be hard to see you need to put some thought into this, when the medication is doing all of the work,' Ward said. 'But those who never used to exercise, or exercise regularly, can really see significant gains in their bodies.' Since the use of GLP-1s for weight loss is a new practice, more studies will be needed to determine how to best help the people using them, Shah said, especially when it comes to specific recommendations for exercise, nutrition and the building of lean muscle mass. 'We do not have good data to say 'X' type of exercise or amount is going to give the best results,' Shah said. Until then, make sure to incorporate strength training into your weekly exercise regimen — even if you're not on a GLP-1. 'Studies have shown your longevity and quality of life are all tied to muscle,' Ward said. 'And if you increase your muscle mass, you'll burn more calories, even at rest. So improving your muscle mass should be part of any training program. If I could find a way to shout this from the mountaintops, I'd love it.' Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance writer who specializes in hiking, travel and fitness. Sign up for CNN's Fitness, But Better newsletter series. 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