Synopsis

This monogram has been divided into 10 chapters and covers the various aspects of normal sleep and its disorders. To make the understanding complete the first part is devoted to the normal physiology and architecture of normal sleep. The subsequent chapters deal with various disorders and their management. The chapter on ‘Insomnia’, which affects many millions of people globally, has been well covered and the management very clearly defined. The growing epidemic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been well highlighted and its diagnosis and management both medical and surgical have been very clearly elucidated. This disorder is now growing at fast pace not only in adults but in children as well.  <br/>The phenomenal increase in OSA is growing parallel to the epidemic of obesity. The obesity is triggered due to sedentary lifestyle, more mechanization of life with the help of newer gadgets like computers, television and consumption of energy dense food. Obstructive sleep apnea has now been corelated with metabolic syndrome and serious health issues like diabetes, hypertension and carrdiovascular disease. Therefore, it is imperative for every student and practicing physician to know about these disorders of sleep and manage them effectively.  <br/>The other disorders like narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnolence, abnormal movements during sleep, parasomnias and chronic insomnia and depression have been covered in successive chapters. Sleep disorders and especially insomnia have profound influence on the mood and mind of the person. Therefore, depression is quite frequently seen in these patients or at times it is the depression which leads to insomnia. The role of keeping the mental balance and improving the work capability of the workforce by identifying and managing the sleep disorder has been well covered.