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From the Editor
The field of sleep medicine has made its arrival on the health care field. The roots of sleep medicine are imbedded in the neurophysiology of the EEG and have expanded greatly due to improvements in sleep monitoring and computer technologies. It is surprising that such a basic biologic function which encompasses one third of our lives took so long to make it to active medical practice. Much of this awareness is due to the epidemic of sleep disorders in our modern society. There has been an increase in shift-work disorders, jet lag, and chronic sleep deprivation — among others. The social and medical consequences of chronic sleep deprivation are clear. Increased motor vehicle accidents and trucking accidents are well-known consequences. There are proponents that feel the Exxon-Valdez accident and the Three Mile Island incidents were due to chronic sleep deprivation and other circadian rhythm disorders. In this issue the more common sleep disorders will be addressed. Dr Aldrich, a world leader in narcolepsy, discusses this common illness of sleepiness and its differential diagnosis. Drs Seeberger and O’Brien discuss sleep related movement disorders. With the aging in our society, these disorders are becoming more prevalent and are sure to be seen frequently by all practicing physicians. Dr Bracht discusses the parasomnias. Many of them are seen in children, but there is a new awareness of parasomnias occurring in the elderly. Dr Schneiders and I devote the final 2 chapters to insomnia. Insomnia dominates the sleep clinic in terms of problems and complaints. Insomnia cannot be dealt with unless a basic knowledge of sleep biology is known. Dr Schneiders gives an overview of these issues. I conclude with a discussion of the sleep promoting agents. Attention to sleep complaints will help a patient’s general health. It is becoming a large component of preventative medicine. All practicing physicians, those intimately dealing with the nervous system as well as those in any aspect of clinical care, will be confronting these disorders frequently in their clinical practices. We hope this issue provides clinical tools for dealing with these disorders.
Ronald E Kramer, MD
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This issue of the CNI REVIEW deals with sleep disorders and sleep medicine.
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