Forty million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders such as sleep ap¬nea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

On Wednesday, March 23, NECC’s Sleep Technology students helped educate the public about these sleep problems and the importance of healthy sleep habits with displays and presentations in the lobby of the Spurk Building on the Haverhill Campus.

The event featured a live set up of a sleep study, free sleep screenings, and presentations on Drowsy Driving by two representatives from AAA.

Northern Essex offers a 10-month Sleep Technology Certificate program which combines classroom study, laboratory prac¬tice, and clinical experiences. Registered sleep technologists are in high demand across the country, earning starting salaries between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, according to John Murray, program and clinical coordinator.