Sleep Medicine—What's in a Name?

Abstract

Sleep medicine has matured into a recognised medical discipline, characterised by defined diagnostic concepts, evidence-based treatments, and significant progress in understanding sleep physiology and disorders. Sleep and its disturbances impact virtually every aspect of health and well-being. The major categories of sleep disorders include insomnia, neurological and psychiatric sleep disorders, sleep-disordered breathing, and paediatric sleep disorders. Breakthroughs in biomedical research have deepened clinical expertise across each of these domains. Although sleep medicine has historically developed from various specialties, the current approach emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration. Today, diagnostic and therapeutic pathways are well established, supported by professional standards outlined in nosological classifications, clinical guidelines, and structured frameworks of competencies and skills. Despite the universal importance of sleep and the high prevalence of sleep disorders, the field continues to face systemic challenges—most notably limited access to care, inadequate funding for clinical services, and insufficient investment in research. The central challenge is to balance the integration of new opportunities with the resolution of persistent uncertainties. However, advances in technology and the emergence of precision medicine offer promising prospects for progress. Sleep medicine stands at a crossroads. Its future will depend on rearticulating its mission and vision, addressing structural shortcomings, embracing innovation, and affirming its essential role in promoting public health.