Clinical practice related to sleep problems and sleep disorders has been expanding rapidly in the last few years, but scientific research is not keeping pace. Sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome are three examples of very common disorders for which we have little biological information. This new book cuts across a variety of medical disciplines such as neurology, pulmonology, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, psychology, otolaryngology, and nursing, as well as other medical practices with an interest in the management of sleep pathology. This area of research is not limited to very young and old patients—sleep disorders reach across all ages and ethnicities. Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation presents a structured analysis that explores the following:




Improving awareness among the general public and health care professionals.
Increasing investment in interdisciplinary somnology and sleep medicine research training and mentoring activities.
Validating and developing new and existing technologies for diagnosis and treatment.


This book will be of interest to those looking to learn more about the enormous public health burden of sleep disorders and sleep deprivation and the strikingly limited capacity of the health care enterprise to identify and treat the majority of individuals suffering from sleep problems.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Sleep Physiology
3 Extent and Health Consequences of Chronic Sleep Loss and Sleep Disorders
4 Functional and Economic Impact of Sleep Loss and Sleep-Related Disorders
5 Improving Awareness, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Sleep Disorders
6 Ensuring Adequate Diagnosis and Treatment: Access, Capacity, and Technology Development
7 Opportunities to Improve Career Development in Somnology
8 Bolstering Somnology and Sleep Disorders Research Programs
9 Building Sleep Programs in Academic Health Centers
Appendix A Study Process
Appendix B Acronyms
Appendix C Glossary of Major Terms
Appendix D Congressional Language Establishing the National Center On Sleep Disorders Research
Appendix E Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board Membership
Appendix F National Institutes of Health Sleep-Related Initiatives: 1994-2004
Appendix G National Institutes of Health Support of Sleep-Related R01 Grants
Appendix H Summary of NIH Support of Sleep-Related Career Development Awards
Appendix I Summary of NIH Support of Sleep-Related R13, R25, P, F, T, and U Grants
Appendix J Summary of Investment in Sleep-Related Projects at The Top 30 NIH-Funded Institutions
Appendix K Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff
Index