More Missed Opportunities in Hyperarousal Research in Insomnia
Another original research publication from 14 authors who claim to be looking at more than 1000 insomniacs who apparently don’t have sleep-disordered breathing but for some reason or another show all the classic features of the sleep fragmentation we’ve described repeatedly in chronic insomniacs. This sleep fragmentation, which includes noticeably lighter sleep quality as well as difficulty staying in REM sleep, are hallmark findings in sleep-disordered breathing, either OSA or UARS. Sadly, many sleep researchers and doctors continue to ignore the groundbreaking work of Dr. Guillimenault. Here’s a quick AI summary of his contributions that barely scratches the surface:
Dr. Christian Guilleminault was a pioneering figure in sleep medicine. His major contributions to the research linking insomnia to sleep-disordered breathing include:
Early Identification: Dr. Guilleminault and his colleagues were among the first to document the co-occurrence of insomnia and sleep apnea.
Defining a Syndrome: He played a key role in defining sleep apnea as a distinct clinical entity, initially observing it in the context of insomnia.
COMISA Research: His early work laid the foundation for the concept of comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea (COMISA), highlighting that some patients experience both conditions simultaneously.
Raising Awareness: Dr. Guilleminault's research emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep-disordered breathing in patients presenting with insomnia, as sedatives commonly prescribed for insomnia could exacerbate underlying sleep apnea.
Our own efforts culminated in our landmark Lancet publication published the same year Dr. Guilleminault passed.
FYI, my next book FAST ASLEEP: Advanced Guide for Sleep Hygiene, will be published May 1st. The book blends sleep hygiene with CBT-I (cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia) to make for a more rapid and successful implementation of steps to overcome insomnia.