National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research

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Definition - What does National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research mean?

The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, or NCSDR, was founded in 1993 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on the study, development, and implementation of scientific methods to help prevent or diminish sleep disorders. There is a wide number of sleep disorders with pathological symptoms that are far-reaching. For example, people suffering from insomnia might experience difficulty sleeping, which can disrupt circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles) and lead to daytime symptoms that increase the risk of accidents. Other people can suffer from narcolepsy, experiencing random episodes of sleepiness that occur daily. All sleep disorders adversely influence the quality of people’s lives causing limited activity, undue stress, and heightened risk for health diseases and accidents.

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Community-wide efforts have been made by the NCSDR to raise awareness about sleep deprivation disorders, gearing resources towards treatment plans and solutions for cross-disciplinary study in the medical field. With financial support from federal government agencies and other group sponsors, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), responsible for starting NCSDR, conducts continual research, using current technological advances for curriculum programs in medical schools and for physicians who treat sleep-related disorders.

Sleep deprivation is a common problem for many people, interfering with basic sleep cycle rhythms that can lead to major health issues. Typical sleep-related conditions can include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, jet-lag syndrome, or restless legs syndrome. Research shows that inadequate sleep or rest can impose serious health concerns if left untreated leading to impaired cognition, decreased alertness, depression, obesity, suicidal thoughts, weakened immune system, hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular disease. The biological and psychological implications connected with sleep loss on a consistent basis can reduce quality of life both at home and work. For employers, a sleep-deprived workforce can result in significant financial setbacks caused by diminished labor production and health benefits costs for personnel seeking appropriate medical care.

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