Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine – 2 Volume Set, 7th Edition

By: Meir H. Kryger & Thomas Roth & Cathy A Goldstein

ISBN: 9780323661898

Pub Date: December 20, 2021

Reviewed By:  Lawrence W Brown, MD (The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) 

Description  

This is the seventh edition of this standard textbook that outlines the principles and practice of sleep medicine. It is not something easily transported; rather, it is two volumes of more than 2,000 pages that testify to the remarkable development of the field in the past three decades. It is also the first edition since the 2020 death of Dr. William Dement who was a co-editor and major leader in the field. As with previous versions, the goal has been to help the trainee and the general physician to organize such a rapidly growing fund of information into a clinically useful manner with sufficient practical information and adequate current references. Despite its size approaching the Oxford English Dictionary, the rapidity of advances in the field explains why the book has required new editions every four to six years in order to provide a condensed version of the evolving understanding of the science underlying sleep and its disorders. In addition, this volume increases the understanding of sleep and the circadian system in other medical disorders and overall health. The authors have reorganized sections on pharmacotherapeutics based on neurotransmitter receptors regulating sleep-wake function rather than broad categories like hypnotics, wake-promoting agents, etc. There are the latest developments in genetics, chronobiology, and consumer sleep monitoring. The sixth edition was published in 2017. 

Purpose  

Since the first edition in 1989, this book has been aimed at a diverse population of clinicians and scientists representing neurology, psychiatry, psychology, pharmacology, internal medicine, pediatrics, and basic biologic sciences.  Its target audience includes both those in training and at every level of practice. This book aims to be both encyclopedic and practical (despite the heft). How else to encompass everything from the phylogeny of sleep to its basic physiology, genetics and genomics, chronobiology, pharmacology, and psychobiology of dreaming in addition to all of the disorders of sleep throughout the life cycle. 

Audience  

The book is intended for all clinicians and scientists who want to understand the one-third of existence spent asleep, the mechanisms that control-wake function, and all that can go wrong. Like all such ambitious works, it has different areas that may appeal to the multidisciplinary audience. A concise 11-page chapter outlining normal human sleep will set the stage for trainees. Neurologists will be drawn to the brief (82 of 2,009) but elegant pages devoted to neurologic disorders. Sections on pediatric and geriatric disorders will attract different readers. All will be fascinated by the sections on the evolution of sleep in mammals and non-mammalian vertebrates. The more than 400 contributors to the book come from across the globe and represent the leading experts in the discipline. 

Features  

The title promises principles and practice of sleep medicine, and it fulfills its goal to the highest degree. In the broadest divisions, the book is divided into either the principles or the practice of sleep medicine. Principles include normal sleep physiology throughout the phylogenetic ladder, the science of chronobiology, pharmacology organized by relevant neurotransmitters, and the biology of dreaming.  In addition to the breathing disorders of sleep, there are sections devoted to hypersomnia, insomnia, and parasomnia. Neurologists will find remarkable insight. Using Parkinson’s disease as an example, common somnolence can be improved by treatment of severe obstructive apnea; CPAP can prevent sudden respiratory death from nocturnal stridor; REM behavior disorder, which often occurs years before motor symptoms can be a surrogate marker for early identification and intervention. Additionally, there is a complex bidirectional relationship between sleep and stroke, and each may lead to the other. Up to half of all stroke patients develop sleep-wake disorders, and treatment can improve prognosis and reduce risk of stroke recurrence. Beyond the interaction of neurologic disorders and sleep, there are similar sections on cardiovascular disorders, psychiatric disorders, dentistry, as well as implications on pediatric conditions, women’s health, and geriatrics. More unique are chapters on occupational sleep medicine and legal implications of sleep disorders. Overall, the chapters not only provide the promised practical information in a readable style, but are complemented by carefully considered up-to-date references. As extra bonuses, each has clearly defined highlights and clinical pearls. 

Assessment   

This book is not only well organized and well written, but it lives up to its goal of being practical and comprehensive. It is an important resource for anyone interested in sleep medicine. This is definitely a reference that will be used on a regular basis. 

©Doody’s Review Service, 2022, Lawrence W Brown, MD (The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

Doody’s Score: 99 – 5 Stars!

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