Somnology
Somnology
Somnology (pronounced: /sɒmˈnɒlədʒi/) is the scientific study of sleep and its related disorders. The term is derived from the Latin word "somnus", meaning sleep, and the Greek word "logia", meaning study.
History
The study of sleep, or Somnology, has been a subject of interest since ancient times. However, it was not until the 20th century that it became a recognized field of scientific study. The first sleep laboratories were established in the 1920s and 1930s, and the field has grown significantly since then.
Branches of Somnology
Somnology encompasses several sub-disciplines, including:
- Chronobiology: The study of biological rhythms and how they affect sleep patterns.
- Sleep Medicine: The medical specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
- Sleep Psychology: The study of the psychological aspects of sleep, including dreams and sleep disorders.
- Neurophysiology: The study of the nervous system and how it relates to sleep.
Related Terms
- Insomnia: A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Sleep Apnea: A serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep.
- Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness.
- Circadian Rhythm: The 24-hour internal clock that cycles between sleepiness and alertness at regular intervals.
See Also
References
- The Oxford Companion to the Body, Colin Blakemore and Sheila Jennett, eds., Oxford University Press, 2001.
- The Science of Sleep: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters, Wallace B. Mendelson, University of Chicago Press, 2017.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Somnology
- Wikipedia's article - Somnology
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