Latest news with #AnneMarieMorse
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
American Sleep Apnea Association Rebrands as Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network (WSCN)
New Name, Expanded Mission, Same Commitment to Empowering Patients and Advancing Science 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 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@ 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: SOURCE Wellness, Sleep & Circadian Network (WSCN)
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Knowing your sleep chronotype can lead to better rest and health
If you feel more sluggish during certain times of the day, it could be due to your sleep chronotype. The chronotype affects the body's natural tendency to be asleep or awake, according to the Sleep Foundation. Knowing and adapting to the ideal schedule for your sleep chronotype could improve your rest and help you accomplish daily tasks more efficiently, sleep experts say. Feeling Extra Tired? This Virus Could Be The Culprit, Study Suggests "Your chronotype, or natural sleep-wake preference, refers to your natural tendencies to feel awake or sleepy at different times of the day," Dr. Anne Marie Morse, a pediatric sleep medicine physician in Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital. There are four main types of sleep chronotypes: Bear, Wolf, Lion and Dolphin. Read On The Fox News App Genetics, age, geography and the body's circadian rhythm (its internal 24-hour clock) can determine one's chronotype, the Sleep Foundation said in its report. In addition to sleep quality, chronotypes can also influence appetite, exercise and body temperature. Dr. Michael Breus, Ph.D., a board-certified sleep specialist in Los Angeles, first introduced the four chronotypes based on sleep-wake patterns seen in certain animals. "We've discussed early birds and night owls, but I've broken it down further into four categories based on other animals," he told Fox News Digital. "Each of these four chronotypes is defined by specific windows of productivity during which they function and perform at their best … at different times of day." Individuals who are considered the Lion chronotype typically wake up early (around 6 a.m.), are more productive in the morning hours and prefer to nap around 1:30 p.m., according to a report by Breus on his website. Sleep Could Help Erase Bad Memories, Study Finds: 'Therapy For Our Emotions' Their energy begins to wind down in the early evening and they may struggle with socializing at night, according to Breus' report. Bedtime is usually around 10 p.m. An estimated 15% of individuals fall into this chronotype. The Bear chronotype wakes up with the sun at around 7 a.m., functions well during traditional office hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and does not struggle with attending evening social activities. This chronotype prefers to go to bed at around 11 p.m., according to the Sleep Foundation report. Bears account for around 55% of individuals. Wolf chronotypes are similar to "night owls." As the day winds down, these individuals' energy levels rev up with a preferred bedtime at around midnight, Breus stated in his report. People in this category typically wake up around 7:30 a.m., are groggy in the morning and are most productive between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m., according to the Sleep Foundation. About 15% percent of people are considered to be this chronotype. Those in the Dolphin chronotype are usually light sleepers, have a hard time unwinding at bedtime, and rarely follow a consistent bedtime schedule, several sleep experts told Fox News Digital. Dolphins wake up at around 6 a.m., are most productive between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and go to bed at around 11 p.m. Deep Sleep Can Keep Two Big Health Problems At Bay, New Studies Suggest "Those with the Dolphin chronotype have difficulty following any sleep schedule due to disturbances like noise and light," Morse told Fox News Digital. "Productivity is best in the late mornings to early afternoons." People struggling with insomnia are often Dolphin chronotypes, according to Morse. Nearly 10% of individuals fall into this category. To determine your chronotype, the Sleep Foundation recommends considering your sleep preferences, your energy levels throughout the day and when you eat your meals. Questionnaires such as the Morning-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) can help determine one's chronotype. Breus also developed an online chronotype quiz at to help individuals determine whether they are a Bear, Wolf, Lion or Dolphin. Understanding how your chronotype works can help you sleep better at night and feel more refreshed during the day, according to Breus. After pinpointing your chronotype, Breus recommends tailoring daily activities based on periods of peak energy and productivity levels. "If you frequently experience poor sleep quality despite getting a full night's sleep, you may be working against your chronotype," he said. Morse recommends that people schedule important tasks at times when they naturally feel most alert and to adjust bedtimes to fit their natural sleep patterns, rather than "powering through" schedules that don't match their chronotypes. For example, an individual who is categorized as a Lion should try to tackle large projects, important meetings or social activities earlier in the morning, when their tendency is to be most energetic and productive, the expert said. Since they are typically early risers, Morse said Lions should establish an early bedtime to ensure that they get enough sleep. She also advised Lions to avoid large meals or rigorous exercise in the late evening, which could delay sleep. "If you are a naturally late riser, or a Wolf chronotype, forcing yourself to wake up too early may lead to sleep deprivation and could negatively impact health," Morse told Fox News Digital. "Wolves are the most productive in the afternoon, so steer away from big morning plans for optimal performance." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Morse also suggested that Wolf chronotypes sleep in cool, dark and quiet bedrooms, using blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out early-morning light. Since Dolphin chronotypes do not usually follow a set sleep schedule, Morse recommends that they prioritize going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. "If you're having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, try to avoid naps during the day and avoid screen time at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed," he suggested. For those who fall into the Bear chronotype, Morse suggests getting sunlight exposure immediately upon waking in the morning. In the event of an afternoon slump, he recommends opting for a short nap at around 2 p.m. instead of reaching for caffeine. For more Health articles, visit If daily obligations get in the way of adhering to ideal bedtime schedules, Morse said the best step is to try to gain better alignment. Regardless of chronotype, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep per night to support overall health and article source: Knowing your sleep chronotype can lead to better rest and health
Fox News
23-02-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Knowing your sleep chronotype can lead to better rest and health
If you feel more sluggish during certain times of the day, it could be due to your sleep chronotype. The chronotype affects the body's natural tendency to be asleep or awake, according to the Sleep Foundation. Knowing and adapting to the ideal schedule for your sleep chronotype could improve your rest and help you accomplish daily tasks more efficiently, sleep experts say. "Your chronotype, or natural sleep-wake preference, refers to your natural tendencies to feel awake or sleepy at different times of the day," Dr. Anne Marie Morse, a pediatric sleep medicine physician in Pennsylvania, told Fox News Digital. There are four main types of sleep chronotypes: Bear, Wolf, Lion and Dolphin. Genetics, age, geography and the body's circadian rhythm (its internal 24-hour clock) can determine one's chronotype, the Sleep Foundation said in its report. In addition to sleep quality, chronotypes can also influence appetite, exercise and body temperature. Dr. Michael Breus, Ph.D., a board-certified sleep specialist in Los Angeles, first introduced the four chronotypes based on sleep-wake patterns seen in certain animals. "We've discussed early birds and night owls, but I've broken it down further into four categories based on other animals," he told Fox News Digital. "Your chronotype, or natural sleep-wake preference, refers to your natural tendencies to feel awake or sleepy at different times of the day." "Each of these four chronotypes is defined by specific windows of productivity during which they function and perform at their best … at different times of day." Individuals who are considered the Lion chronotype typically wake up early (around 6 a.m.), are more productive in the morning hours and prefer to nap around 1:30 p.m., according to a report by Breus on his website. Their energy begins to wind down in the early evening and they may struggle with socializing at night, according to Breus' report. Bedtime is usually around 10 p.m. An estimated 15% of individuals fall into this chronotype. The Bear chronotype wakes up with the sun at around 7 a.m., functions well during traditional office hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and does not struggle with attending evening social activities. This chronotype prefers to go to bed at around 11 p.m., according to the Sleep Foundation report. Bears account for around 55% of individuals. Wolf chronotypes are similar to "night owls." As the day winds down, these individuals' energy levels rev up with a preferred bedtime at around midnight, Breus stated in his report. People in this category typically wake up around 7:30 a.m., are groggy in the morning and are most productive between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m., according to the Sleep Foundation. About 15% percent of people are considered to be this chronotype. Those in the Dolphin chronotype are usually light sleepers, have a hard time unwinding at bedtime, and rarely follow a consistent bedtime schedule, several sleep experts told Fox News Digital. Dolphins wake up at around 6 a.m., are most productive between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and go to bed at around 11 p.m. "Those with the Dolphin chronotype have difficulty following any sleep schedule due to disturbances like noise and light," Morse told Fox News Digital. "Productivity is best in the late mornings to early afternoons." People struggling with insomnia are often Dolphin chronotypes, according to Morse. Nearly 10% of individuals fall into this category. To determine your chronotype, the Sleep Foundation recommends considering your sleep preferences, your energy levels throughout the day and when you eat your meals. Questionnaires such as the Morning-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ) can help determine one's chronotype. Breus also developed an online chronotype quiz at to help individuals determine whether they are a Bear, Wolf, Lion or Dolphin. Understanding how your chronotype works can help you sleep better at night and feel more refreshed during the day, according to Breus. After pinpointing your chronotype, Breus recommends tailoring daily activities based on periods of peak energy and productivity levels. "If you frequently experience poor sleep quality despite getting a full night's sleep, you may be working against your chronotype," he said. Morse recommends that people schedule important tasks at times when they naturally feel most alert and to adjust bedtimes to fit their natural sleep patterns, rather than "powering through" schedules that don't match their chronotypes. For example, an individual who is categorized as a Lion should try to tackle large projects, important meetings or social activities earlier in the morning, when their tendency is to be most energetic and productive, the expert said. Since they are typically early risers, Morse said Lions should establish an early bedtime to ensure that they get enough sleep. She also advised Lions to avoid large meals or rigorous exercise in the late evening, which could delay sleep. "If you are a naturally late riser, or a Wolf chronotype, forcing yourself to wake up too early may lead to sleep deprivation." "If you are a naturally late riser, or a Wolf chronotype, forcing yourself to wake up too early may lead to sleep deprivation and could negatively impact health," Morse told Fox News Digital. "Wolves are the most productive in the afternoon, so steer away from big morning plans for optimal performance." Morse also suggested that Wolf chronotypes sleep in cool, dark and quiet bedrooms, using blackout curtains or a sleep mask to block out early-morning light. Since Dolphin chronotypes do not usually follow a set sleep schedule, Morse recommends that they prioritize going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. "If you're having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night, try to avoid naps during the day and avoid screen time at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed," he suggested. For those who fall into the Bear chronotype, Morse suggests getting sunlight exposure immediately upon waking in the morning. In the event of an afternoon slump, he recommends opting for a short nap at around 2 p.m. instead of reaching for caffeine. For more Health articles, visit If daily obligations get in the way of adhering to ideal bedtime schedules, Morse said the best step is to try to gain better alignment. Regardless of chronotype, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep per night to support overall health and well-being.
