[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E564-E565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRESS NEEDS TO ``WAKE UP'' TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP

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                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the Edina, 
Minnesota, School District, which was recently recognized by the 
National Sleep Foundation as the 2000 Sleep Capital of the Nation.

[[Page E565]]

  My good friend, Dr. Kenneth Dragseth, the Superintendent of Edina 
Schools, came to Washington to accept the award on behalf of the 
parents, students and teachers from Edina.
  This national recognition is well-deserved and is a great way to 
celebrate National Sleep Awareness Week.
  Four decades after President John F. Kennedy urged all Americans to 
take a 50-mile hike, Americans are once again waking up to the benefits 
of healthy living and the need for a well-balanced diet and regular 
exercise. But we too often neglect the importance of sleep.
  Thankfully, not Edina. This school district, which is recognized 
universally as one of the finest public school systems in the nation, 
truly gets it.
  They recognize that the future competitiveness and strength of our 
country depends on improving our education system.
  That's why the Edina School District took concrete steps to make sure 
its students get enough sleep by starting school one hour later each 
day.
  A recent National Sleep Foundation poll confirms that teens stay up 
too late and wake up too early. Another new study noted that on 
average, teens are getting about 2 hours less sleep a night than they 
need. This puts them at risk for car accidents, falling asleep in 
class, moodiness and depression.
  To improve education, we must promote healthy learning environments. 
Stressing the need for enough sleep is essential for such environments. 
The bottom line is this: adequate sleep is a key component of a quality 
education.
  I am also including for the Record a special ``Bill of Nights'' by 
the National Sleep Foundation which outlines the important suggestions 
by this group for improving sleep habits for everyone.
  Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly applaud the Edina schools and their 
leadership to ensure that young people come to school healthy and ready 
to learn. They know it's time for America to ``wake up'' to this 
critically important problem.
  Congratulations again, Edina Schools. You are ahead of the curve and 
I am proud to represent you!

   Preamble to the Bill of Nights of the National Sleep Foundation--
                Presented March 28, 2000, Washington, DC

       Whereas, science and medicine have determined that 
     obtaining a sufficient amount of quality sleep is just as 
     essential for good health as maintaining a balanced diet and 
     getting regular exercise;
       Whereas, obtaining a sufficient amount of quality sleep can 
     also help to ensure personal safety, increase productivity 
     and add to the enjoyment of life;
       Whereas, the National Sleep Foundation is dedicated to 
     improving public health and safety, this organization 
     encourages all People to understand the importance of sleep 
     and to make obtaining sufficient quality sleep a priority in 
     their lives;
       Therefore, the following Articles, created by the National 
     Sleep Foundation and supported by its constituents, champion 
     the right of all People to enjoy restful sleep for healthy, 
     safe, and productive lives.

          The Bill of Nights of the National Sleep Foundation

       Article I All people should have the opportunity to fully 
     understand the essential role of sleep in maintaining optimum 
     mental and physical function.
       Article II All People should have the opportunity to obtain 
     the amount of sleep they require to maintain their optimum 
     mental and physical function and to enjoy the benefits that 
     sleep provides, including positive mood, alertness, enhanced 
     memory and cognitive capabilities, and a sense of well-being.
       Article III All people should have the opportunity to 
     obtain sufficient, quality sleep free from disruptions due to 
     environmental factors (i.e., light, noise, etc.), irregular 
     sleep schedules, and underlying mental and physical 
     conditions.
       Article IV All People should have the opportunity to obtain 
     accurate, scientifically validated sleep information and 
     education in order to understand and improve their sleep.
       Article V All People should have the benefit of a well-
     rested workforce and be secure in the knowledge that those 
     who are depended upon to perform critical functions in 
     society--including healthcare, transportation, public safety, 
     hazardous materials management, and others--are attentive, 
     alert and well-rested.
       Article VI All People should be safe from the danger posed 
     by drowsy drivers. Every driver is responsible for keeping 
     the nation's roadways safe and free from the hazards posed by 
     sleepiness and fatigue.
       Article VII All People who experience problems sleeping 
     should have the opportunity to obtain proper, informed 
     diagnoses and treatment by healthcare providers who 
     understand sleep disorders.
       Article VIII All People should have reasonable access to 
     affordable, quality treatment for sleep disorders.
       Article IX All People should have the opportunity to 
     benefit from the knowledge and advancements resulting from 
     ongoing scientific research on sleep, which should be 
     maintained as a national research priority.
       Article X All People should have the opportunity to benefit 
     from public policies that consider the importance of sleep in 
     all aspects of our lives, including policies affecting the 
     workplace, transportation, education, and healthcare.

     

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