Fundamentals of Sleep and Circadian Science

This comprehensive textbook, spearheaded by the Sleep Research Society, presents an in-depth exploration of sleep and circadian science The book commences by defining sleep and circadian rhythms and discussing various research methods employed in the field. It summarizes the current understanding of brain mechanisms, physiology, and genetics related to sleep and circadian rhythms, as well as their ontogeny and phylogeny. The text also examines the evidence supporting the restorative functions of sleep for both the brain and the body. Finally, it delves into the pathophysiology and demographics of major sleep disorders, the effects of sleep loss on performance and safety, and relevant sleep health policies. Authored by renowned experts in the field, the content provides a succinct summary of the current understanding of sleep and circadian rhythms, making it an ideal resource for upper-level undergraduate and introductory graduate courses. Additionally, the book serves as an invaluable reference for physicians seeking certification in Sleep Medicine and caters to individuals interested in gaining a scholarly understanding of sleep and circadian science.

The Sleep Research Society (SRS) is an organization for scientific investigators who educate and research sleep and circadian science. Through its members and leadership, SRS is organized exclusively for scientific, educational, and charitable purposes; its ultimate goal is to disseminate and foster scientific research investigation in all areas of sleep and circadian rhythms. The editor-in-chief, Chiara Cirelli, received her medical degree and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Pisa, Italy, where she started her research on sleep. She continued this work as Fellow in experimental neuroscience at the Neuroscience Institute in San Diego, California, and since 2001 at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where she is currently Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Her laboratory aims at understanding the function of sleep and clarifying the functional consequences of sleep loss. Dr. Cirelli has published over 160 papers on sleep and received many awards for her original and sustained contribution to sleep research, including the 2017 Farrell Prize in Sleep Medicine from Harvard Medical School, the 2022 Pisa Sleep Award from Pisa University, and the 2023 Distinguished Scientist Award from the Sleep Research Society.