Preface

Respiratory disorders are now the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and affect more than 35 million Americans. Much is known about the symptomatology and management of patients with respiratory disorders during the waking hours, but in recent years, it has become apparent that sleep can have profound effects on the condition of these patients. In this issue of Sleep Medicine Clinics, we focus on the effects of sleep on respiratory diseases and the abnormalities that can occur during sleep in those affected by the various types of pulmonary disorders. We have assembled a group of expert clinicians and scientists to offer their perspectives on this important subject.

This issue begins with a general discussion of respiratory physiology during sleep. Sleep in various lung diseases are discussed, including those with obstructive and restrictive abnormalities, as well as respiratory muscle weakness. Separate articles are devoted to obesity hypoventilation syndrome and pulmonary hypertension. Others discuss chronic noninvasive positive airway pressure ventilation, sleep in patients in the intensive care unit, and management of insomnia in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. Finally, I have invited two experts to discuss sleep in children with respiratory disorders and those with central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome.

I am extremely indebted to the expertise of the experienced clinicians who provide very useful information in this issue. I am particularly grateful to my colleagues at The Ohio State University for their invaluable contribution and advice to the various articles. I am confident that this issue will be a great resource—not only for the busy lung specialist but also for the sleep specialist who will likely encounter these patients in their clinics.