Since the first edition of The Encyclopedia of Sleep
and Sleep Disorders was published in 1991, there
has been a great expansion in the national awareness
of sleep disorders and an increase in services
for patients. Terms such as narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep
apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness are commonly
used and understood by a greater percentage of the
population than before. Laypersons have become
more aware that there is help available if they suffer
from a sleep disorder. This increased awareness
is a positive development. Better understanding of
the symptoms and features of a sleep disorder leads
to more rapid recognition and treatment of the disorder.
The Encyclopedia of Sleep and Sleep Disorders has
been updated to reflect the current science and
understanding of sleep disorders and includes the
addition of numerous entries that reflect new
terms, drugs and procedures introduced in the last
decade. Recent advances in the understanding of
the pathophysiology of sleep and wakefulness,
including the recognition of a neurochemical system
involved in the control of sleep and wakefulness,
the orexin system, are covered in this second
edition. Revised entries reflect the advances in our
understanding and treatment of disorders such as
sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy.