Glossary of sleep medicine

Sleep medicine is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders and disturbances. As our understanding of sleep and its impact on health has evolved, so too has the lexicon associated with this specialty. This glossary aims to provide concise definitions and insights into the terminology used in sleep medicine, covering a wide range of topics from specific sleep disorders, diagnostic tools, and treatment methods to broader concepts that influence sleep health. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a patient, or simply someone interested in learning more about sleep, this glossary serves as a valuable resource for enhancing your understanding of the complex world of sleep medicine.

Sleep study

Key Terms

Below are some of the key terms and concepts in sleep medicine, each linked to a detailed entry within this glossary. This collection reflects the diversity and depth of the field, highlighting the physiological, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to sleep health.

• Sleep disorder - An overview of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting health and quality of life.
• Polysomnography - A description of the comprehensive sleep study used to diagnose sleep disorders.
• Obstructive sleep apnea - Information on a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep.
• Insomnia - An exploration of one of the most prevalent sleep disorders, marked by difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorder - Insight into disorders that occur when the body's internal clock is misaligned with the environment.
• Narcolepsy - Details on a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
• Sleep pharmacotherapy - An overview of medications used in the treatment of sleep disorders, including both historical and contemporary approaches.
• Behavioral sleep medicine - Information on non-pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders, emphasizing cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle interventions.

Detailed glossary of sleep medicine terms

• 1,1,1-Trichloroethane - A solvent that was historically used in various applications, including medical, but is less common today due to environmental and health concerns. Not directly related to sleep medicine but important in historical context for its use in manufacturing processes of medical equipment.
• 1-Butanol - An alcohol that has been studied for its potential sedative effects, though it is not commonly used for this purpose in clinical sleep medicine.
• 1-Pentanol - Similar to 1-Butanol, 1-Pentanol is an alcohol with potential sedative properties, but its use in sleep medicine is not well-documented or recommended.
• 1-Propanol - An alcohol that can have central nervous system depressant effects, potentially affecting sleep patterns and quality.
• 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol - A fluorinated alcohol with sedative properties in animal studies, yet its application in human sleep disorders is not established.
• 3-Hydroxybutanal - A chemical compound studied for its potential effects on the central nervous system and sleep, though not a standard therapeutic agent in sleep medicine.
• 3-Hydroxyphenazepam - A benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic and hypnotic properties, potentially relevant in the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders under strict medical supervision.
• A Beautiful Darkness - A reference that could symbolize the complexity of sleep disorders, encompassing both the restorative nature of sleep and the challenges of sleep pathology.
• Acebrochol - A compound not widely recognized in sleep medicine. The focus on specific drugs or compounds must be evaluated within the context of evidence-based practice and regulatory approval.
• Acecarbromal - A carbamate with sedative and hypnotic properties, once used to treat insomnia but less common today due to the development of safer or more effective alternatives.
• Adderall - A central nervous system stimulant used in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), highlighting the intersection of sleep disorders with other neurological conditions.
• Adinazolam - A benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic and sedative effects, which may be relevant in the treatment of anxiety disorders associated with sleep disturbances.
• Advanced sleep phase disorder - A circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by early sleep onset and early morning awakening, impacting the quality and timing of sleep.
• African trypanosomiasis - Also known as "sleeping sickness," a parasitic disease that can significantly affect sleep patterns, underscoring the relationship between infectious diseases and sleep disorders.
• Alcohol (drug) - While commonly consumed, alcohol can adversely affect sleep architecture and quality, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and contributing to sleep disorders.
• Alcohol-related brain damage - Chronic alcohol use can lead to persistent changes in sleep architecture and exacerbate sleep disorders, illustrating the neurological impacts of substance abuse on sleep.
• Allobarbital - A barbiturate previously used as a sedative and in the treatment of insomnia, now largely replaced by safer, more effective medications.
• Alphenal - Another barbiturate with sedative-hypnotic properties, historically used in the management of insomnia but superseded by medications with a better safety profile.
• American Academy of Sleep Medicine - A professional society that promotes excellence in health care, research, and education for clinicians specializing in sleep medicine. It sets standards and advocates for the field of sleep medicine.
• American Association of Sleep Technologists - A professional organization dedicated to the advancement of sleep technologists through education, advocacy, and resources to improve the quality of sleep health management.
• American Board of Sleep Medicine - An organization that certifies physicians and practitioners in the field of sleep medicine, ensuring they meet specified standards of excellence.
• American Sleep Apnea Association - A non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of sleep apnea patients through education, advocacy, and research.
• Amobarbital - A barbiturate used as a sedative and hypnotic drug. It has been historically utilized in the treatment of sleep disorders but is less common now due to the risk of dependence and adverse side effects.
• Amphetamine - A central nervous system stimulant known for its use in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It promotes wakefulness and alertness, which is beneficial for managing excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy patients.
• Aprobarbital - Another barbiturate sedative used in the past for its hypnotic properties to treat insomnia. Like other barbiturates, its use has declined in favor of safer alternatives.
• Apronal - A sedative and hypnotic medication, containing allylbarbital and aprobarbital, used for treating insomnia and anxiety. Its usage is limited due to the development of newer drugs with improved safety profiles.
• Atagabalin - A medication investigated for the treatment of anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances, representing the ongoing search for new therapeutic options in sleep medicine.
• Athens insomnia scale - A self-administered questionnaire used for assessing the severity of insomnia symptoms based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. It's a tool for both clinical settings and research on sleep quality.
• Automatic behavior - Refers to performing activities in a low-consciousness state, often associated with sleep disorders like narcolepsy, where the person may engage in routine tasks without full awareness.
• Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, deafness, and narcolepsy - A rare genetic disorder characterized by ataxia, hearing loss, and narcolepsy, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic factors and sleep regulation.
• Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy - A genetic disorder that causes seizures during sleep, illustrating the relationship between neurological conditions and sleep disturbances.
• Barbexaclone - A medication that combines phenobarbital and levopropylhexedrine, used primarily for its anticonvulsant properties. It has implications for sleep as it can influence sleep architecture and stability.
• Barbital - One of the earliest barbiturates, used as a sedative and hypnotic. Its historical use in sleep medicine showcases the evolution of pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders.
• Barbiturate dependence - The physical dependence on barbiturates due to prolonged use, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. This highlights the need for careful management of sedative medications in treating sleep disorders.
• Barbiturate overdose - A potentially life-threatening condition resulting from the excessive intake of barbiturates, underscoring the importance of strict regulation and monitoring in the prescription of these drugs for sleep disorders.
• Barbiturate - A class of drugs acting as central nervous system depressants, historically used for treating anxiety, epilepsy, and as sedatives. Concerns over their abuse potential and safety have reduced their use in sleep medicine.
• Barbituric acid - The base structure for barbiturate drugs, discovered in the late 19th century. It laid the foundation for the development of numerous sedative-hypnotic agents used in sleep medicine.
• Bedtime procrastination - A behavior characterized by delaying going to bed at the intended time, without a practical reason, leading to insufficient sleep and potential impact on overall health.
• Bedwetting alarm - A device used as a behavioral treatment for nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), which senses moisture and sounds an alarm, aiding in the conditioning of individuals to wake up before urinating.
• Behavioral sleep medicine - An interdisciplinary field that focuses on the assessment and treatment of sleep disorders through cognitive and behavioral interventions, emphasizing the importance of psychological factors in sleep health.
• Behind the Screams - Though not directly related to clinical sleep medicine, cultural references like this one highlight societal perceptions and fears around sleep and nightmares, often influencing attitudes towards sleep disorders.
• Bentazepam - An anxiolytic drug of the benzodiazepine family, sometimes used off-label to manage insomnia related to anxiety, showcasing the intersection between psychiatric conditions and sleep disturbances.
• Benzodiazepine - A class of psychoactive drugs known for their use in treating anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. While effective, they are associated with risks of dependence and withdrawal, necessitating careful management in sleep medicine.
• Benzylbutylbarbiturate - A chemical compound related to barbiturates, highlighting the diversity of substances explored for potential sedative and hypnotic effects in the management of sleep disorders.
• BiteStrip - A diagnostic tool used to detect bruxism (teeth grinding) during sleep, representing the intersection of
• Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists - The certifying body for polysomnographic technologists, professionals who conduct sleep studies and play a crucial role in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
• Brallobarbital - A barbiturate derivative once used as a sedative and in the treatment of insomnia. Its history reflects the evolving understanding and approach to pharmacological sleep aids.
• British Sleep Society - A UK-based organization dedicated to improving the practice of sleep medicine and research, highlighting the global effort to address sleep disorders and promote sleep health.
• Bromal hydrate - A sedative and hypnotic drug derived from bromine and aldehyde, once used to treat insomnia but now largely obsolete due to safety concerns and the development of safer alternatives.
• Bromazepam - A benzodiazepine used for its anxiolytic effects, which can also aid in the management of insomnia associated with anxiety, demonstrating the overlap between anxiety disorders and sleep problems.
• Bromisoval - A bromine-containing sedative and hypnotic medication, showcasing the historical use of various chemical compounds in the quest to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Bromoureide - A sedative drug indicative of the extensive chemical experimentation that has taken place in developing treatments for sleep disorders and related conditions.
• Brophebarbital - Another barbiturate used for its sedative properties, part of the long history of barbiturate use in sleep medicine that has paved the way for more modern sleep therapeutics.
• Bruxism - The involuntary or habitual grinding of teeth, typically occurring during sleep. It's a condition that can disrupt sleep and cause dental damage, treated through behavioral therapy or dental devices.
• Bucolome - A pharmaceutical compound with sedative properties, illustrating the ongoing search for effective and safe treatments for sleep disturbances and related conditions.
• Butabarbital - A barbiturate sedative used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, representing the class of barbiturates and their role in the history of sleep medicine.
• Butalbital - Part of the barbiturate family, often combined with other medications in the treatment of tension headaches that can impact sleep, reflecting the multifaceted nature of sleep medicine.
• Butallylonal - A short to intermediate-acting barbiturate, once used as a sedative-hypnotic for its calming effects, which contributed to the understanding of sleep regulation and the management of sleep disorders.
• Butobarbital - A barbiturate that demonstrates the class's role in the development of sleep medicine, used for its sedative and hypnotic properties in treating insomnia.
• Caffeine-induced sleep disorder - A condition marked by the excessive consumption of caffeine leading to significant sleep disturbances, underscoring the impact of diet and substance use on sleep health.
• Camazepam - A benzodiazepine with anxiolytic and muscle relaxant properties, used in some regions for the management of insomnia, reflecting the global diversity in sleep disorder treatment approaches.
• Carbromal - A carbamate sedative-hypnotic drug, illustrating the broad chemical spectrum explored for potential use in inducing sleep and managing sleep disorders.
• Carbubarb - A combination drug including a barbiturate, used historically for its sedative effects, part of the evolution of pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders.
• Cataplexy - A sudden and transient episode of muscle weakness triggered by emotions, typically associated with narcolepsy, highlighting the complex symptomatology of sleep disorders.
• Catathrenia - Nighttime groaning during prolonged exhalation, a rare parasomnia that can disrupt sleep and is often diagnosed through sleep studies, illustrating the diverse manifestations of sleep disorders.
• Centalun - A sedative and hypnotic drug, part of the array of medications that have been explored for the treatment of insomnia, reflecting the ongoing quest for effective sleep aids.
• Central hypoventilation syndrome - A respiratory disorder characterized by inadequate breathing during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, underscoring the importance of respiratory function in sleep health.
• Central sleep apnea - A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to lack of respiratory effort, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Charles Henry Parkhurst - Although not directly related to sleep medicine, individuals from various fields can impact the understanding and cultural perception of sleep through their work and advocacy on related health issues.
• Charmane Eastman - A notable figure in sleep research, known for contributions to understanding circadian rhythms and their effects on sleep patterns, underscoring the importance of internal biological clocks in sleep medicine.
• Chasing Sleep - A film that explores themes of insomnia and the psychological impact of sleep deprivation, reflecting cultural representations of sleep disorders and their effects on mental health.
• Chloral betaine - A sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia, showcasing the diverse chemical compounds developed over time to manage sleep disturbances.
• Chloral hydrate - A sedative and hypnotic drug historically used to treat insomnia and induce sleep in surgical procedures, demonstrating the evolution of sleep medication.
• Chloralodol - A hypnotic agent derived from chloral hydrate, used for its sedative effects, part of the pharmacological history in treating sleep disorders.
• Chlorobutanol - A trichloro derivative of butanol used as a sedative and hypnotic, as well as a preservative in medications, highlighting the cross-functional uses of some compounds in medicine.
• Chronobiotic - Any substance that can therapeutically alter the timing of the circadian clock, including the management of circadian rhythm sleep disorders, emphasizing the role of timing in sleep medicine.
• Chronotherapy (sleep phase) - A behavioral technique to adjust the timing of sleep in individuals with circadian rhythm sleep disorders, illustrating non-pharmacological approaches in sleep medicine.
• Cidoxepin - An antidepressant with sedative properties, sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia associated with depression, highlighting the intersection between sleep disorders and mental health.
• Cinazepam - A benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic properties, used in some regions for its sedative effects to treat insomnia, reflecting the global diversity in sleep disorder management.
• Cinolazepam - A benzodiazepine used to manage anxiety and insomnia, showcasing the role of benzodiazepines in sleep medicine, despite concerns about dependence and withdrawal.
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorder - A family of sleep disorders affecting the timing of sleep, caused by the circadian clock being out of sync with the external environment, underscoring the critical role of circadian rhythms in sleep health.
• Classification of sleep disorders - The categorization of sleep disorders based on symptoms, causes, and effects on health, essential for diagnosis and treatment in sleep medicine.
• Clinophilia - An excessive desire to stay in bed or a preoccupation with bed rest, not classified as a sleep disorder but relevant in discussions of sleep behavior and mental health.
• Clocental - A sedative drug, reflecting the broad spectrum of medications explored for their potential use in treating insomnia and sleep disturbances.
• Clomethiazole - A sedative and hypnotic drug primarily used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms but also explored for its potential in managing insomnia.
• Clorazepate - A benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and insomnia, illustrating the use of anxiolytics in sleep medicine for conditions where anxiety disrupts normal sleep patterns.
• Club drug - Refers to various psychoactive drugs primarily used recreationally, which can significantly impact sleep architecture and lead to sleep disorders, highlighting the influence of substance use on sleep health.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) - A structured program that helps individuals identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems with habits that promote sound sleep, emphasizing the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in sleep medicine.
• Confusional arousals - A sleep disorder characterized by confusion during or following arousals from deep sleep, part of the spectrum of sleep-related disorders affecting behavior and cognition.
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) - A treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea that uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep, demonstrating the application of device-based therapies in sleep medicine.
• Corvalol - A sedative and antispasmodic medication, popular in some regions as an over-the-counter remedy for insomnia and anxiety, indicative of the varied cultural approaches to managing sleep disturbances.
• Crotylbarbital - A barbiturate sedative used in the past for treating insomnia, part of the historical pharmacopeia in sleep medicine.
• Custom-made medical device - Refers to devices tailored to the individual patient's needs, such as custom mandibular advancement devices for sleep apnea treatment, showing personalized medicine's growth in sleep disorders management.
• Cyclobarbital - A barbiturate with sedative properties, once used to treat insomnia, contributing to the history of sleep pharmacotherapy.
• Cyclopentobarbital - Another barbiturate sedative-hypnotic, illustrating the extensive use of barbiturates in earlier sleep medicine practices before the advent of safer alternatives.
• Daridorexant - A dual orexin receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of insomnia, representing a new class of sleep medications that target the brain's wakefulness pathways to facilitate sleep.
• Deep sleep therapy - A controversial and largely discredited form of treatment that involved inducing prolonged sleep through sedatives. Its history underscores the importance of ethical standards and evidence-based practices in sleep medicine.
• Delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD) - A circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by a significant delay in the major sleep period, resulting in difficulties with waking up at conventional times, highlighting the challenges in aligning biological and social time.
• Delorazepam - A benzodiazepine with anxiolytic and sedative properties, used in some regions for the treatment of anxiety disorders that can contribute to sleep disturbances.
• Desbutal - A combination drug that included amobarbital and dextroamphetamine, historically prescribed for mood and sleep disorders but no longer in use due to concerns over safety and efficacy.
• Deschloroetizolam - A thienodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic and sedative effects, illustrating the continued search for effective compounds in treating anxiety and insomnia.
• Dexamyl - A pharmaceutical drug that combined amphetamine and barbiturate, intended to treat a variety of conditions including depression and sleep disorders, now discontinued.
• Dichloralphenazone - A sedative and hypnotic compound, used in combination with other medications to treat tension headaches that can impact sleep quality.
• Difebarbamate - A barbiturate-like sedative and muscle relaxant, showing the breadth of pharmacological agents explored for their potential benefits in sleep medicine.
• Diphenhydramine - An antihistamine with sedative properties, commonly found in over-the-counter sleep aids and allergy medications, illustrating the role of antihistamines in managing insomnia.
• Doxefazepam - A benzodiazepine used primarily for its anxiolytic and hypnotic effects to treat insomnia, part of the wider class of benzodiazepines in sleep medicine.
• Doxepin - A tricyclic antidepressant that, at low doses, is used to treat insomnia, highlighting the repurposing of medications across different therapeutic areas in sleep medicine.
• Doxylamine - An antihistamine that is used over-the-counter as a sleep aid, exemplifying the use of antihistamines for their sedative properties in the treatment of short-term insomnia.
• Dream for an Insomniac - A cultural reference that, while not directly related to sleep medicine, touches on the impact of sleep patterns on life and relationships, reflecting societal interest in sleep health.
• Dyssomnia - A category of sleep disorders involving difficulties in getting to sleep or staying asleep, or experiencing unrefreshing sleep, highlighting the spectrum of sleep disturbances addressed in sleep medicine.
• Eszopiclone - A nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent approved for the long-term treatment of insomnia, representing advances in sleep pharmacotherapy aimed at minimizing the risk of dependency.
• Eterobarb - A less commonly known barbiturate, part of the extensive family of barbiturate drugs that have been explored for their sedative-hypnotic effects in the treatment of sleep disorders.
• Ethallobarbital - Another barbiturate sedative, reflecting the historical reliance on barbiturates in the pharmacological management of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Ethinamate - A sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia, part of the diversity of compounds developed for sleep disorder pharmacotherapy.
• Ethyl loflazepate - A benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic properties, sometimes used in the management of conditions that interfere with sleep, such as anxiety disorders.
• Etizolam - A thienodiazepine with anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant properties, used in some countries for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders that affect sleep.
• Etodroxizine - A compound explored for its potential sedative properties, illustrating the ongoing search for more effective and safer treatments in sleep medicine.
• European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA) - A large-scale database aimed at promoting research and understanding of sleep apnea, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research efforts in advancing the field of sleep medicine.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) - A common symptom of many sleep disorders, characterized by persistent sleepiness and lack of energy during the day, underscoring the impact of sleep quality on daytime function.
• Exploding head syndrome - A parasomnia characterized by the perception of loud noises, such as an explosion, upon falling asleep or waking up, highlighting the range of unusual sleep experiences addressed in sleep medicine.
• Fatal insomnia - A rare prion disease that involves progressively worsening insomnia, leading to significant physical and mental deterioration, exemplifying the critical need for sleep and the consequences of its severe deprivation.
• Febarbamate - A sedative drug that combines barbiturate and carbamate properties, reflecting ongoing efforts to find effective and safer sedative-hypnotic agents for the management of sleep disorders.
• Fenadiazole - A sedative and hypnotic medication, part of the broad pharmacological landscape explored for potential benefits in treating insomnia and enhancing sleep quality.
• Flubromazepam - A benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and sedative properties, used in some contexts for managing anxiety disorders that can disrupt normal sleep patterns.
• Fludiazepam - Another benzodiazepine with properties similar to diazepam, highlighting the role of benzodiazepines in the treatment of conditions impacting sleep, such as anxiety and insomnia.
• Flurazepam - A benzodiazepine used primarily for the short-term treatment of insomnia, illustrating the balance between effective sleep aid and the risk of dependence in benzodiazepine use.
• Franck Bouyer - An individual whose case highlights the impact of sleep disorders (particularly narcolepsy) on professional life and the challenges faced in treatment due to doping regulations in sports.
• Frank Jenner - Not directly associated with sleep medicine. Inclusion of unrelated individuals underscores the importance of precise information in medical glossaries.
• Freddy Krueger - A fictional character from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" series, emblematic of cultural fears surrounding nightmares and sleep disturbances.
• Gamma-Hydroxyvaleric acid - A compound related to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), with potential implications for sleep regulation and the treatment of sleep disorders.
• Genioglossus advancement - A surgical procedure aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea by preventing the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep, reflecting the multidisciplinary approaches in sleep medicine.
• Heptobarbital - A barbiturate sedative-hypnotic agent used historically for its sleep-inducing properties, part of the evolution of pharmacological treatments for sleep disorders.
• Hexethal - A barbiturate used as an anesthetic, with historical significance in sleep medicine for its hypnotic effects, though less commonly used today due to the development of safer alternatives.
• Hexobarbital - Another barbiturate with sedative and anesthetic properties, highlighting the extensive use of barbiturates in earlier practices of sleep medicine and anesthesia.
• Hyoid suspension - A surgical technique designed to open the airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, demonstrating surgical interventions in the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Hypersomnia - A condition characterized by excessive sleepiness, including prolonged nocturnal sleep or excessive daytime napping, underscoring the complexity of sleep disorders beyond insomnia.
• Hypnagogia - The transitional state from wakefulness to sleep, marked by unique sensory experiences and hallucinations, illustrating the fascinating aspects of sleep science.
• Hypnic jerk - An involuntary twitch that occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep, a common and generally harmless phenomenon experienced by many individuals.
• Hypnogram - A visual representation of the stages of sleep across a night, obtained through polysomnography, crucial for diagnosing and understanding sleep architecture and disorders.
• Hypnopompia - The transitional state from sleep to wakefulness, similar to hypnagogia, but occurring at the end of the sleep cycle, enriching the study of sleep transitions.
• Hypnotic - Refers to drugs used to induce sleep; hypnotics are a mainstay in the treatment of various sleep disorders, especially insomnia, necessitating careful consideration of their benefits and risks.
• Hypoglossal nerve stimulator - A device implanted to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve, thereby preventing airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, exemplifying advanced treatments in sleep medicine.
• Hypopnea - A reduction in breathing amplitude during sleep that leads to a decrease in oxygen saturation, a key indicator in sleep studies for diagnosing sleep apnea.
• Idiopathic hypersomnia - A sleep disorder characterized by chronic excessive daytime sleepiness that is not caused by other medical conditions, representing the challenges in diagnosing and treating primary sleep disorders.
• Indiplon - A nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent studied for the treatment of insomnia, part of ongoing research to develop safer and more effective sleep aids.
• Infantile apnea - A condition where an infant experiences prolonged pauses in breathing, underscoring the importance of understanding and managing sleep disorders across all age groups.
• Inhalant - The abuse of inhalants can have significant adverse effects on sleep health and overall well-being, reflecting the intersection of substance use and sleep disorders.
• Insheeption - A play on the concept of inception and sleep, often reflecting cultural interest in the complexities of sleep, dreams, and their impact on the psyche.
• Insomnia - A common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restorative sleep, central to the field of sleep medicine and a major focus of treatment and research.
• Insomniacs After School - A cultural reference that may highlight societal awareness and experiences of insomnia, especially in youth, influencing perceptions and discussions around sleep health.
• International Classification of Sleep Disorders - A comprehensive manual that categorizes and describes sleep disorders, providing a framework for diagnosis and research in sleep medicine, essential for standardized clinical practice.
• Irregular sleep–wake rhythm disorder - A circadian rhythm sleep disorder characterized by a lack of a clear sleep-wake pattern, leading to disrupted sleep and challenges in daily functioning. This disorder is often seen in individuals with neurological conditions, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary approaches in sleep medicine.
• Isobutanol - Isobutanol, a type of alcohol used in industrial solvents, can affect sleep quality due to its potential neurotoxic effects. Understanding environmental and occupational exposures is crucial in assessing sleep health.
• Itamar Medical - A medical technology company that specializes in developing diagnostic devices for sleep apnea and other cardiovascular conditions, illustrating the role of innovation and technology in advancing the field of sleep medicine.
• Jet lag - A temporary sleep disorder that occurs when an individual's internal body clock is out of sync with the time in a new timezone, commonly experienced after long-distance travel. Understanding and managing jet lag involves strategies to realign circadian rhythms.
• Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine - A peer-reviewed medical journal that publishes research, reviews, and clinical practice guidelines on all aspects of sleep medicine, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and evidence-based practice in the field.
• Kindling (sedative–hypnotic withdrawal) - Refers to the phenomenon where repeated withdrawals from sedatives or hypnotics lead to an increased sensitivity to future withdrawal episodes. This concept underscores the complexities of managing long-term use of sleep medications and the potential for dependency.
• Kleine–Levin syndrome - A rare sleep disorder characterized by recurring episodes of excessive sleep (hypersomnia) along with cognitive and behavioral changes. The syndrome's etiology remains unclear, making it a focus of ongoing research in sleep medicine.
• Lateral hypothalamus - An area of the brain involved in regulating wakefulness and appetite. Dysfunction or damage to this region can affect sleep patterns and is studied in the context of sleep disorders and obesity.
• Lemborexant - A dual orexin receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of insomnia, representing newer pharmacological approaches that target specific pathways in the brain to promote sleep.
• Light Sleeper - A term that may refer to individuals who wake up easily during the night. While not a clinical diagnosis, understanding varying sleep patterns and sensitivities is important in personalized sleep medicine.
• Magnesium citrate - While primarily used as a dietary supplement and laxative, magnesium has been studied for its potential benefits in improving sleep quality due to its role in supporting neural and muscular function.
• Mandibular advancement splint - A device used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. By advancing the lower jaw, it opens the airway during sleep, demonstrating the role of dental appliances in sleep medicine.
• Maxillomandibular advancement - A surgical procedure to treat obstructive sleep apnea by moving the upper and lower jaws forward, increasing the size of the airway. This procedure reflects the interdisciplinary nature of sleep medicine, involving dental, surgical, and sleep specialists.
• Melatonin receptor agonist - A class of drugs that mimic the action of melatonin, a hormone involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. These medications are used to treat insomnia and certain circadian rhythm sleep disorders, highlighting the pharmacological management of sleep health.
• Meprobamate - A medication with anxiolytic and sedative properties, historically used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders but now less common due to the development of safer alternatives.
• Methaqualone - A sedative-hypnotic drug popular in the mid-20th century but now largely banned due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Its history reflects the evolving understanding of the risks associated with sleep medication.
• Metharbital - A barbiturate used as a sedative and anticonvulsant, illustrating the range of barbiturates once common in sleep medicine and epilepsy treatment.
• Methohexital - A barbiturate anesthetic with rapid onset, historically used for inducing anesthesia but also for its sedative effects in short-term treatment scenarios.
• Methylphenobarbital - A barbiturate with anticonvulsant properties, used in the treatment of epilepsy, showing the overlap between neurology and sleep medicine in managing conditions that affect sleep.
• Metizolam - A thienodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic and hypnotic effects, similar to benzodiazepines, used in some countries for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders.
• Metomidate - Although not directly related to sleep medicine, it's an example of a compound with sedative properties used in medical procedures, underscoring the importance of sedation in various medical contexts, including those affecting sleep.
• Midaflur - A sedative and anxiolytic medication, indicative of the continuous search for effective treatments for sleep disturbances and anxiety, which can profoundly impact sleep quality and overall health.
• Middle-of-the-night insomnia - A type of insomnia where individuals have difficulty maintaining sleep, often waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep. This condition emphasizes the complexity of insomnia as a disorder with multiple manifestations.
• Mikey Waters - Fictional characters or references like this underscore the cultural penetration of sleep and its disorders into media and storytelling, reflecting societal concerns and fascinations with sleep.
• Morvan's syndrome - A rare autoimmune disorder characterized by severe insomnia and other neurological symptoms, illustrating the intersection of immunology, neurology, and sleep medicine in diagnosing and treating complex sleep-related conditions.
• Narcobarbital - A barbiturate sedative-hypnotic, part of the historical use of barbiturates in managing insomnia and sleep disorders, now largely replaced due to concerns over dependency and side effects.
• Narcolepsy Network - An organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by narcolepsy, promoting awareness, and facilitating research, demonstrating the role of advocacy and support groups in the field of sleep medicine.
• Narcolepsy - A chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosis, treatment, and management.
• Narcosynthesis - A therapeutic technique involving the use of sedative drugs to facilitate the recall of repressed memories or to allow verbalization of thoughts and feelings, showing the historical intersection of psychiatry and sleep/sedation methods.
• Nasal EPAP - A device that creates expiratory positive airway pressure to treat sleep apnea by maintaining airway patency during sleep, showcasing innovative approaches in the non-invasive management of sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Nealbarbital - Another example of a barbiturate used for its sedative properties, underscoring the extensive history of barbiturate use in sleep medicine and the evolution towards safer treatment options.
• Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy - A documentary exploring the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" series, emphasizing cultural interests in nightmares and sleep disturbances and their impact on entertainment and society.
• Niaprazine - An antihistamine with sedative properties used primarily in children to treat sleep disturbances, illustrating the careful consideration required in pediatric sleep medicine.
• Night eating syndrome - A condition characterized by nocturnal hyperphagia, eating at night, which can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to weight gain, highlighting the complex relationships between eating behaviors, sleep, and health.
• Night hag - Refers to the folklore entity associated with sleep paralysis, underscoring the cultural and historical context of sleep phenomena and their interpretation before modern sleep science.
• Night sweats - Excessive sweating during sleep not related to an overheated environment, often a symptom of underlying medical conditions or hormonal changes, illustrating the diagnostic challenges in sleep medicine.
• Night terror - A sleep disorder causing feelings of panic or dread typically occurring during non-REM sleep stages, distinct from nightmares, and often seen in children, reflecting the diversity of parasomnias encountered in sleep medicine.
• Nightmare disorder - A condition characterized by frequent nightmares that cause significant distress or impairment in social or occupational functioning, emphasizing the impact of sleep quality on daily life.
• Nightmare - A distressing dream that results in awakening, often from REM sleep. Nightmares can be a symptom of underlying mental health issues or stress, showcasing the need for holistic approaches in sleep disorder treatment.
• Nocturnal enuresis - Medical term for bedwetting, a common condition in children that can also affect adults, demonstrating the range of sleep-related issues addressed in sleep medicine.
• Nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder - A sleep disorder characterized by episodes of eating during nocturnal awakenings, highlighting the intersection of sleep disorders with eating behaviors and the potential for significant health impact.
• Non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder - A circadian rhythm disorder common in blind individuals where the sleep-wake cycle is not synchronized with the 24-hour day, leading to cycles of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, underscoring the importance of circadian rhythms in sleep health.
• Non-rapid eye movement sleep - The portion of the sleep cycle that includes three stages of progressively deeper sleep, foundational to understanding sleep architecture and the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
• Nonbenzodiazepine - A class of psychoactive drugs that are used as alternatives to benzodiazepines for the treatment of insomnia, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance the safety profile of sleep aids.
• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome - A breathing disorder seen in individuals with obesity, characterized by poor oxygenation during sleep, illustrating the complex interplay between sleep disorders and other health conditions.
• Obstructive sleep apnea - A prevalent sleep disorder where the throat muscles intermittently relax and block the airway during sleep, highlighting a major focus of sleep medicine due to its impact on overall health and risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Oleamide - A fatty acid derivative that has been studied for its potential to induce sleep and modulate cannabinoid receptors, reflecting the diverse biochemical pathways targeted in sleep disorder treatments.
• Orthosomnia - An emerging term describing an obsession with achieving perfect sleep metrics, often through the use of sleep tracking devices, underscoring the impact of technology and data on sleep behaviors and anxieties.
• Paraldehyde - A sedative and hypnotic drug historically used for the treatment of insomnia and status epilepticus. Its use in modern sleep medicine is limited due to its potential for dependence and toxicity.
• Paranormal Activity - While primarily a cultural reference to a popular film series, it highlights societal interest in the phenomena occurring during sleep, such as sleep paralysis and nightmares, and their interpretations.
• Parasomnia - A category of sleep disorders involving abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, or dreams that occur while falling asleep, sleeping, between sleep stages, or during arousal from sleep. Examples include sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder, showcasing the complexity of diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.
• Paroniria - An older term sometimes used to describe nightmares or night terrors, reflecting the historical evolution of sleep medicine terminology and the understanding of sleep disturbances.
• Pediatric narcolepsy - Narcolepsy that presents in children, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy. The diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in pediatric populations require specialized considerations for developmental factors.
• Pentobarbital - A short-acting barbiturate that can induce sleep and is used in emergency treatment for seizures. Its role in sleep medicine has diminished in favor of medications with a better safety profile.
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) - A sleep disorder characterized by repetitive movements of the limbs during sleep, often leading to sleep disruption and a reduction in sleep quality, illustrating the variety of motor-related sleep disorders.
• Phenibut - A central nervous system depressant with anxiolytic and sedative effects, used off-label for a variety of conditions, including insomnia. Its use highlights the interplay between anxiety and sleep disorders.
• Phenobarbital - A long-acting barbiturate used in the treatment of epilepsy and as a sedative-hypnotic for insomnia. Its use is now limited due to risks of tolerance and dependence.
• Phetharbital - A sedative barbiturate, historically used for its hypnotic properties, part of the extensive exploration of barbiturates in the development of sleep medicine.
• Phineas and Ferb Get Busted! - A reference to popular culture, indirectly related to sleep medicine through its exploration of themes around rule-breaking and the consequences, potentially including impacts on sleep and behavior.
• Piromelatine - An investigational drug that combines melatonin receptor agonism with serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D receptor agonism, showing the ongoing research into multifunctional agents for the treatment of insomnia.
• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) - A self-rated questionnaire that assesses sleep quality and disturbances over a 1-month time interval. It is widely used in both research and clinical practice to diagnose and understand sleep disorders.
• Polysomnographic technologist - A health care professional specialized in conducting polysomnography (sleep studies), essential for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, demonstrating the importance of specialized roles within sleep medicine.
• Polysomnography - A comprehensive recording of the biophysiological changes that occur during sleep, used as the diagnostic gold standard for many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and periodic limb movement disorder.
• Positive airway pressure (PAP) - A mode of respiratory ventilation used primarily in the treatment of sleep apnea. PAP therapy uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep, exemplifying device-based interventions in sleep medicine.
• Posovolone - A lesser-known sedative compound, illustrating the continuous search for effective and safe treatments for sleep disorders within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Prazitone - An example of a compound with potential sedative or anxiolytic properties, indicative of the breadth of pharmacological research directed at improving sleep health.
• Probarbital - A barbiturate with sedative-hypnotic properties, reflecting the historical trajectory of sedative use in sleep medicine and its evolution toward safer alternatives.
• Progesterone (medication) - While primarily a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, progesterone has been studied for its potential effects on sleep quality, particularly in the context of menopause-related sleep disturbances.
• Promethazine - An antihistamine with sedative properties, commonly used to treat allergy symptoms but also employed off-label to address sleep disturbances, showcasing the repurposing of medications across sleep medicine.
• Propallylonal - A barbiturate sedative, part of the wide array of barbiturates that were explored for their potential to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders in the early development of sleep pharmacotherapy.
• Propiomazine - An antihistamine with sedative properties, used to treat insomnia. Its use highlights the role of antihistamines in managing sleep disturbances, particularly when conventional hypnotics are contraindicated.
• Propylbarbital - A barbiturate used as a sedative and hypnotic agent, further demonstrating the historical reliance on barbiturates in the treatment of sleep disorders, despite their potential for dependency and overdose.
• Prothipendyl - An antipsychotic and sedative medication, indicating the multifaceted approaches in treating conditions that include disrupted sleep as a symptom or side effect.
• Proxibarbital - Another barbiturate used for its sedative-hypnotic properties, underscoring the once widespread use of barbiturates in sleep medicine and the shift towards developing and utilizing drugs with a more favorable safety profile.
• Pyrithyldione - A sedative-hypnotic drug, indicative of the diverse chemical families explored for potential therapeutic effects in sleep disorders, emphasizing the historical context of sleep pharmacotherapy.
• QH-II-66 - A research compound with potential anxiolytic and sedative effects, indicative of ongoing efforts in pharmacology to develop novel treatments for anxiety and sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation in sleep medicine.
• Qanta Ahmed - A physician known for contributions to sleep medicine, particularly in raising awareness about sleep disorders and their impact on overall health, demonstrating the role of medical professionals in education and advocacy.
• Quazepam - A benzodiazepine with hypnotic properties, used in the treatment of insomnia. It illustrates the use of benzodiazepines in managing sleep disorders while also highlighting concerns regarding dependency and withdrawal.
• Quetiapine - An atypical antipsychotic that, at lower doses, is used off-label for the treatment of insomnia, especially in patients with concurrent psychiatric disorders, showcasing the intersection of psychiatric care and sleep medicine.
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire - A tool used to screen for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition where individuals act out vivid dreams during REM sleep, underscoring the importance of diagnostic tools in identifying sleep disorders.
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Single-Question Screen - A simplified screening method for RBD, demonstrating the ongoing efforts to streamline the diagnosis of sleep disorders for early and effective intervention.
• Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder - A parasomnia characterized by the loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep, leading to physical acting out of dreams, highlighting the complex neurobiology of sleep disorders.
• Reposal - A sedative-hypnotic medication, reflecting the broad spectrum of pharmacological agents developed for inducing sleep and managing insomnia, part of the extensive pharmacotherapy in sleep medicine.
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS) - A neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. RLS can significantly impact sleep initiation and maintenance, illustrating the neurological underpinnings of some sleep disorders.
• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) - A tragic condition where an infant dies unexpectedly during sleep, with no cause found after a thorough investigation. Research into SIDS continues to explore its relationship with sleep environments and practices.
• Scott & White Sleep Disorders Center - An example of a specialized facility that provides comprehensive care and treatment for a wide range of sleep disorders, emphasizing the role of dedicated sleep centers in improving sleep health.
• Secobarbital - A barbiturate used for its sedative and hypnotic effects, historically prescribed for the treatment of insomnia and as part of end-of-life care, underscoring the ethical considerations in its use.
• Seltorexant - An investigational orexin receptor antagonist explored for the treatment of insomnia, representing the exploration of new targets in sleep pharmacotherapy to modulate sleep-wake regulation.
• Shift work sleep disorder - A circadian rhythm sleep disorder experienced by individuals who work nontraditional hours, leading to sleep disturbances and increased risk of health problems, highlighting the impact of work schedules on sleep health.
• Sleep (journal) - A peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to original research and reviews on all aspects of sleep and sleep medicine, emphasizing the role of academic research in advancing the field.
• Sleep Deprivation Therapy - While not a standard treatment, there's interest in the potential therapeutic effects of controlled sleep deprivation for certain conditions like depression, illustrating the complex relationship between sleep and mental health.
• Sleep Medicine Reviews - A review journal that provides comprehensive analysis and synthesis of developments in the field of sleep medicine, supporting the dissemination of knowledge to clinicians and researchers.
• Sleep Research Society - An organization that promotes research and education in sleep science and sleep medicine, highlighting the importance of research in understanding and treating sleep disorders.
• Sleep and emotions - The study of how sleep and sleep deprivation affect emotional regulation and mood, reflecting the bidirectional relationship between sleep health and emotional well-being.
• Sleep apnea - A disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep, which can lead to significant health complications if untreated, emphasizing the need for awareness and treatment.
• Sleep debt - The cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep, which can affect cognitive function, performance, and health, underscoring the importance of adequate sleep for overall well-being.
• Sleep deprivation - The condition of not having enough sleep, which can have severe consequences on health, cognition, and mood, highlighting the critical role of sleep in human health.
• Sleep diary - A self-reported log used by individuals to track their sleep patterns and habits, serving as a valuable tool in diagnosing sleep disorders and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.
• Sleep disorder specialist - A healthcare professional with specialized training in diagnosing and treating disorders that affect sleep.
• Sleep disorder - A medical disorder of the sleep patterns of a person or animal. Some sleep disorders are serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental, and emotional functioning.
• Sleep driving - A complex behavior or form of sleepwalking involving driving a car while technically asleep, often associated with certain sleep medications.
• Sleep efficiency - A measure of sleep quality, calculated by dividing total sleep time by the total time spent in bed, expressed as a percentage.
• Sleep emailing - An unusual behavior involving sending emails while in a state of sleep, often with no memory of doing so; considered a modern form of sleepwalking.
• Sleep epidemiology - The study of the distribution and determinants of sleep disorders in populations, helping to understand the impact of sleep health on public health.
• Sleep in bipolar disorder - Refers to the significant sleep disturbances often associated with both the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder, highlighting the complex relationship between sleep and mood disorders.
• Sleep inversion - A pattern where an individual's sleep schedule is reversed, sleeping during the day and remaining awake at night, often seen in certain sleep and circadian rhythm disorders.
• Sleep medicine - A medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders.
• Sleep onset latency - The length of time that it takes to transition from full wakefulness to sleep, often used as a metric in sleep studies to assess sleep disorders.
• Sleep paralysis - A temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or upon waking, often accompanied by hallucinations and a sensation of pressure on the chest.
• Sleep problems in women - Refers to sleep disorders that have a higher prevalence or different expression in women due to factors such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Sleep sex - Also known as sexsomnia, a form of parasomnia characterized by engaging in sexual acts while asleep, with no memory of the activity upon waking.
• Sleep state misperception - A condition where there's a significant discrepancy between the perceived and actual sleep, often with individuals feeling they have slept less than objective measurements suggest.
• Sleep surgery - Surgical interventions designed to treat sleep disorders, especially obstructive sleep apnea, including procedures like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and genioglossus advancement.
• Sleep-related breathing disorder - A group of disorders characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, including obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and sleep-related hypoventilation.
• Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy - A condition characterized by seizures occurring during sleep, which involve complex motor movements, formerly known as nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy.
• Sleep-talking - The act of speaking during sleep without being aware of it, ranging from simple mumbling to complex dialogues; considered a type of parasomnia.
• Sleeping disorders following traumatic brain injury - Sleep disturbances that can occur as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI), including insomnia, hypersomnia, and changes in sleep-wake patterns.
• Sleeping sickness of Kalachi, Kazakhstan - Refers to an outbreak of encephalopathy with symptoms of excessive drowsiness and sleep observed in Kalachi, Kazakhstan, speculated to be linked to environmental factors.
• Sleepwalking scene - In literature and film, a dramatic or comedic depiction of sleepwalking, often used to reveal secrets or add suspense, reflecting cultural interest in sleep behaviors.
• Sleepwalking - A parasomnia involving walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of partial arousal from deep sleep, with no memory of the actions.
• Snoring - The sound produced from vibrations of the soft tissues of the upper airway during sleep, often a symptom of airflow resistance or obstruction, and can be a sign of a sleep disorder.
• Sodium oxybate - A medication approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, particularly to reduce cataplexy and improve daytime sleepiness, illustrating the pharmacological approach to managing sleep disorders.
• Sodium thiopental - A barbiturate used in anesthesia that induces a sleep-like state, highlighting the crossover between anesthetic and sleep-inducing properties of certain medications.
• Somnifacient - Substances known to induce sleep; commonly referred to as sleep aids or hypnotics, used in the treatment of various sleep disorders to promote sleep.
• Somnology - The scientific study of sleep, including its physiological and psychological aspects, disorders, and impact on health and disease, representing the foundation of sleep medicine as a field.
• Somnox Sleep Robot - A robotic device designed to improve sleep by using simulated human breathing patterns and sounds, showcasing technological innovations in the management of sleep disorders.
• Spirobarbital - A barbiturate derivative used historically as a sedative and hypnotic, part of the larger group of barbiturates once common in the treatment of sleep disorders.
• Springwood, Ohio - The fictional setting of the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" film series, symbolizing the deep-seated cultural fascination with nightmares and their impact on the psyche.
• Stanford Protocol - A set of guidelines or treatments developed at Stanford University for specific sleep disorders, demonstrating the role of academic research in advancing sleep medicine practices.
• Sulfonmethane - Also known as sulfa drugs, which can have sedative properties, reflecting the diverse chemical compounds explored for potential use in inducing sleep or sedation.
• Sundowning - A phenomenon observed in some individuals with dementia, characterized by increased confusion, anxiety, and agitation during the late afternoon or evening, complicating the management of sleep in this population.
• Suvorexant - A dual orexin receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of insomnia, part of a newer class of sleep medications aimed at blocking the wakefulness pathway to facilitate sleep onset and maintenance.
• Talbutal - A barbiturate with sedative effects, historically used for short-term treatment of insomnia. It exemplifies the class of drugs that dominated sleep medicine before the development of safer alternatives.
• Teresa Nielsen Hayden - While not directly related to sleep medicine, individuals from various fields can impact public understanding of health issues, including sleep disorders, through advocacy and education.
• Tert-Butyl alcohol - A chemical compound not directly associated with sleep medicine. However, exposure to certain chemicals can influence sleep quality and health, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in sleep disorders.
• Tetrabamate - A sedative and muscle relaxant that reflects the ongoing search for effective treatments for conditions associated with disrupted sleep, such as muscle spasms and anxiety.
• Tetrabarbital - Another example from the barbiturate family used as a sedative and hypnotic. Its use in sleep medicine underscores the historical reliance on barbiturates for managing sleep disturbances.
• Tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone - A neurosteroid with potential effects on sleep and mood regulation, illustrating the complex interplay between neurochemistry and sleep.
• Tetronal - A sedative barbiturate, part of the group of early chemical compounds explored for their sleep-inducing properties, highlighting the evolution of pharmacotherapy in sleep medicine.
• The Conjuring - A film series that, while primarily focused on horror, touches upon themes of nightmares and sleep disturbances, reflecting cultural fascinations with the darker aspects of sleep.
• Tonsillectomy - A surgical procedure that can improve sleep quality by treating obstructive sleep apnea in children and adults, demonstrating the role of surgical interventions in sleep medicine.
• Tracheotomy - An emergency procedure that can also be used as a long-term treatment for severe sleep apnea by bypassing upper airway obstructions, underscoring the interdisciplinary approaches in managing sleep disorders.
• Trazodone - An antidepressant with sedative effects, commonly used off-label for treating insomnia, especially when associated with depression, showcasing the overlap between psychiatric and sleep medicine treatments.
• Trional - A sedative-hypnotic barbiturate, once used to induce sleep but largely replaced by safer, more effective sleep aids, reflecting the historical development of sleep pharmacology.
• Tryptophol - A chemical compound produced in small amounts by the body, with research suggesting it might play a role in modulating sleep, pointing to the biochemical complexity of sleep regulation.
• Tuinal - A combination drug that included amobarbital and secobarbital, used as a sedative and hypnotic. It symbolizes the era when polypharmacy with barbiturates was common in sleep medicine.
• Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) - A sleep disorder characterized by the narrowing of the airway that can lead to sleep fragmentation and excessive daytime sleepiness, highlighting the spectrum of sleep-related breathing disorders.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) - A surgical procedure to remove excess tissue in the throat to widen the airway, used in treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, exemplifying surgical treatments in sleep medicine.
• Vinbarbital - A long-acting barbiturate sedative and hypnotic, once used in the treatment of insomnia, part of the extensive use of barbiturates in earlier sleep medicine practices.
• Vinylbital - A barbiturate with sedative properties, illustrating the diversity of compounds within this class used historically for sleep induction and maintenance.
• Vornorexant - An investigational drug targeting the orexin system, reflecting ongoing research into new pharmacological targets for the treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Xywav - A medication approved for the treatment of narcolepsy with cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness, showcasing advances in narcolepsy management focusing on reducing the impact of symptoms on daily life.
• Zolpidem - A non-benzodiazepine hypnotic used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, known for its quick onset of action and relatively safe profile, marking a significant development in sleep pharmacotherapy.
• Α-Hydroxyetizolam - A metabolite of etizolam, reflecting the complexity of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in the use of sedative-hypnotic drugs for treating sleep disorders.
• Γ-Valerolactone - A compound with potential anxiolytic and sedative effects, indicative of the broad search for substances that can positively affect sleep and relaxation.
• Also see Dictionary of sleep medicine

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