Fundamentals of Sleep and Circadian Science

Abstract This textbook includes thirty-six chapters divided into seven sections that cover the breadth of sleep and circadian science. The book starts by defining what sleep and circadian rhythms are and by discussing many of the methods used in sleep and circadian research. It offers a succinct summary of our current understanding of the brain mechanisms, physiology, and genetics of sleep and circadian rhythms, as well as of their ontogeny and phylogeny. It reviews the evidence for the restorative functions of sleep for the brain and the body. Finally, it covers the pathophysiology and demographics of major sleep disorders, the effects of sleep loss on performance and safety, and policies relevant to sleep health. The editor in chief, section editors, and authors are recognized experts in specific content areas, and many of them have extensive experience in undergraduate and graduate courses at their respective institutions. The goal is to provide a tool that can be used in teaching upper level undergraduate and introductory graduate level courses on the fundamentals of the science of sleep and circadian rhythms. The textbook is also intended as a useful reference and exam guide for physicians who are interested in Sleep Medicine as a subspecialty and who want to become certified in Sleep Medicine.