Kathleen J. Sexton-Radek Ph.D. – författare

Approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by a sleep problem. About 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, and an additional 20-30 million are affected by intermittent sleep-related problems. However, an overwhelming majority of sleep disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. Some of the most common ones are insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders, excessive daytime sleepiness, night terrors, sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy. Long standing sleep disturbances can lead to nonproductive lifestyles, poor work performance, weight gain, difficulty with concentration, and social avoidance. Some disorders, like sleep apnea, can lead to even more serious problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Therefore, there is an urgent need for this introduction to the subject of sleep disorders.Chapters include information on symptoms and problems that signal a possible sleep disorder, descriptions of sleep loss effects and their demographics, definitions of common sleep disorders, explanations of various medical and psychological tests for sleep disorder diagnosis, essential medical treatments, guided intervention to change thinking about sleep and related health habits, alternative interventions, follow-up and maintenance issues, and behavioral changes. Appendices include a list of accredited sleep laboratories and resources, suggested readings, and suggested exercises and activities.

This sourcebook traces the history of sleep disorders — from restless legs to insomnia to night terrors — alongside emerging research, illustrations of sleep disorders in society, and treatment approaches.Part of the Health and Psychology Sourcebooks series, this compact volume offers concise information on a critical issue threatening human health and well-being: sleep disorders. The authors of this volume are established psychologists and researchers specializing in sleep and sleep disorders: one serves as an editor for the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy, and the other is a certified behavioural sleep medicine specialist.Sleep Disorders begins with an introduction highlighting the prevalence of sleep disorders and the widespread impact of sleep deprivation, underscoring why they are now considered a public health concern. Subsequent chapters explain and illustrate disorders including apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, nightmares, night terrors, and sleepwalking. Each chapter provides an empirical overview followed by a case study, covering the history, symptoms, incidence, and theoretical frameworks of each disorder, as well as the personal, familial, societal, and economic dimensions. Treatment strategies, solutions, and emerging research are also discussed in depth.The Health and Psychology Sourcebooks series is ideal for undergraduate students, practitioners, and general readers interested in learning more about health and psychological conditions.