Editor's Corner

1. Introduction to a new section 

Beginning with this issue of the journal we are introducing a new section called ‘Sleep, Science and Serenity,’ to which Sara Sowers, the journal's editorial assistant, contributes a poem. The poem describing a dream is most apt for a journal dealing with all aspects of human sleep, including the most intriguing and mysterious stage of sleep—the stage where we are in an unreal world of dreams. This section should serve to remind us about the serenity, tranquility and beauty of our inner self. This is the ultimate reason why all of us strive to improve ourselves, why we aggressively pursue excellence in our respective professions. Having science without humanity is like tasting food without taste buds. The aim of this section is to keep us humane and humble while reading through intricate, but rather prosaic, scientific articles intending to prove a hypothesis.

We invite readers and potential authors to contribute to this section, which is not limited to poetry alone but may include prose dealing with humanities, reflections on ourselves and our patients, and the sublime world of sleep, dreams, awareness and awakening. Some scientific journals have already introduced such a section and we would like to join the stream. The journal hopes to provide a platform for all of us to reflect and think so that we can find meaning through the background noise of science. The success of this section will ultimately depend on you the readers.

2. WASM-Elsevier scientific awards 

We would like to remind potential contributing authors about two scientific awards sponsored by the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM) and Elsevier for best original research papers published or accepted for publication in Sleep Medicine by young investigators within 5 years of post-training at the time of submission (please see the ‘News and Announcements’ section in the back of the journal for details). Articles submitted between July 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 will be eligible for consideration for these awards. Young investigators are encouraged to submit their best science to Sleep Medicine, the official journal of WASM, and indicate their desire for consideration for these competitive awards. Awards will be given during the 2nd WASM Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, February 4-8, 2007.

3. WASM membership 

Readers and potential authors are encouraged to apply for membership in the World Association of Sleep Medicine, devoted to advancing sleep health worldwide (www.wasmonline.org). Members are entitled to a variety of benefits including discounts on WASM organized meetings and courses and a subscription to the journal Sleep Medicine (both the print and online versions) at considerable cost savings (see Announcements under WASM News in this issue).