Chapter 1 - History of Sleep Physiology and Medicine

Abstract

•Interest in sleep and dreams has existed since the dawn of humanity. Some of history's greatest figures have attempted to explain the physiologic and psychological bases of sleep and dreaming.•The modern scientific study of sleep began with the discovery of the electrical activity in the brain. Further progress was marked by the discovery of and distinction between REM and NREM sleep. Identifying sleep pathology eventually led to the creation of sleep clinics.•Sleep medicine as a medical specialty has existed for just over 50 years. The evolution of the field required clinical research, development of clinical services, training programs, and changes in the insurance industry and public policy that recognized the impact of sleep disorders on society.•The field is still evolving. Sleep impacts almost all aspects of physiology and medicine—new disorders are being discovered, and new treatments are being delivered. As sleep medicine faces new challenges, an understanding of its history can provide researchers with important insights for shaping the future of this discipline.