Commander in Sleep

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recently tapped David Cloud as its new CEO. Cloud joins the nonprofit group after serving as president of the Professional Relations and Research Institute, an association management firm whose clients include academic organizations in thoracic surgery, gastroenterology and medical research.

Cloud steps in for an e-mail interview with ADVANCE's Mike Bederka to share his views of the organization's future and give a quick look at his own sleep habits.

Describe your goals as CEO of the NSF.

I'm honored to be chosen as the NSF's CEO, so my first priority is to preserve and build on NSF's earlier groundwork. NSF's goals are to broaden the reach of its sleep education message to the public. The challenge here is enormous, so the organizational aims aren't likely to change any time soon. As for my near-term objectives, I am hopeful that we can begin the critical process of creating better awareness of the importance of sleep through the workplace and in the K-12 educational setting.

What is the toughest challenge to getting through to people about the importance of sleep?

The American work ethic wrongly suggests that cutting corners on sleep leads to success. Our knowledge of the science shows us that proper sleep is related to higher performance, yet the cultural "self-sacrifice" obstacle remains deeply entrenched in the conventional thinking. The media have been very interested in our annual NSF Sleep in America polls because the public is interested. This year's poll reached 340 million people-so we are making progress!

What do you see as the biggest changes you'll make to the NSF as CEO?

I have the good fortune of having a great board and staff, so I don't feel the need to make any major changes in direction. I think the biggest change I hope to make is the speed at which NSF delivers new programs and services to the public. I also hope that part of my legacy at NSF is one where other organizations view us as a great strategic partner.

What are some easy ways respiratory therapists not directly involved in sleep can raise sleep awareness issues with patients?

We hope that every health care professional will look upon sleep as a cornerstone of good health equal to diet and exercise. While clearly respiratory therapists understand the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of sleep, we hope that they will become champions for "sleep is good for you."

How many hours do you sleep on an average night?

I try to get eight hours every night. I respect the difference sleep makes in my performance and make scheduling sleep a priority.