ABSTRACT
The field of sleep medicine remains a mystery because the precise biological function of sleep is still unclear. A significant portion of our existence is devoted to this experience; in fact, approximately one-third of human life is spent sleeping. Given that sleep deprivation leads to a rebound of sleep, it clearly has an important function. Whether the primary purpose of sleep is to provide thermoregulation, memory reinforcement, or body tissue restoration is unknown. But as this area of research continues to grow, we are provided a deeper and richer understanding of this complex process. In this chapter, we offer a brief overview of some of the fundamental aspects of sleep. Points of interest regarding sleep architecture and staging are reviewed, as well as sleep with age, the need for sleep, sleep deprivation, and the evolution of sleep. The intricate biochemical and physiological components of sleep are also detailed. Finally, the broad classification of sleep medicine disorders is categorized.
