Sleep Definitions/Glossary

Many of the terms used in the sleep field are unique and may be unfamiliar to you. Our Sleep Definitions/Glossary page can help you better understand them.

Consumer Education American Academy of Sleep Medicine

The Sleep Education site of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the primary organization of sleep professionals in the world, is a good resource.

National Sleep Foundation

The National Sleep Foundation is an organization that provides comprehensive sleep education and awareness programs.

American Sleep Apnea Association

American Sleep Apnea Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education of the public about sleep apnea and serving people with this common disorder.

Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides the latest information about restless legs syndrome.

Narcolepsy Network, Inc.

Narcolepsy Network, Inc. is a national non-profit patient support organization for patients, families and individuals with an interest in narcolepsy

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Narcolepsy)

The branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that is involved with research into diseases of the brain provides this informational web page on narcolepsy. Visit: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (Narcolepsy)

Stanford Medicine, Center for Narcolepsy

Stanford Medicine, Center for Narcolepsy’s narcolepsy research has led the world in the understanding and treatment of this disorder.

ResMed

ReMed is the leading manufacturer and distributor of  positive airway pressure equipment and supplies in the United States.

Respironics

Respironics was a manufacturer and distributor of positive airway pressure equipment and supplies in the United States until it ceased selling CPAP machines in the spring of 2024.  Its educational resorces are still available.

Consumer Help

Choosing professionals to help you with your sleep problems is a difficult task.  I recommend focusing on the provider and have them direct you to a testing facility.  Fewer and fewer facilities are owned and operated by providers due to economic and governmental constraints.  Each geographic location will have its unique situation.

How to Choose a Sleep Center

Use our suggestions to help in your choice of a sleep provider.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Sleep centers accredited by the academy are listed by state. Contact information and their web sites are included.

American Board of Sleep Medicine

The American board of Sleep Medicine list of physicians who have demonstrated their knowledge of sleep medicine by passing a rigorous two-day test to become board certified in the field.

Healthcare Professionals

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is the primary organization of sleep professionals in the world.

American College of Chest Physicians

The American College of Chest Physicians is a professional association of physicians interested in diseases of the chest.

American Thoracic Society

The American Thoracic Society is the major medical association dedicated to advancing lung, critical care and sleep medicine.

Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

The academy is a professional membership organization promoting the use and research of oral appliances and oral surgery for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing.

REM Behavior Disorder

This video gives a clear view of current understanding of REM Behavior Disorder.