Sleep medicine is interested in the clinical problems that disturb sleep. It is a relatively new field in the UK and some doctors may have received very little training in this specialty as students. Nonetheless sleep problems cause major difficulties in people’s lives. Parents of children with sleep problems may themselves be exhausted and their sleepless child will most likely be tired overactive and irritable in the day. This can lead to considerable stress in the family. Adults who are sleep deprived may find themselves tired, irritable and unable to concentrate. In the worst case they may fall asleep at the wheel when driving, risking their safety and that of other road users.

Many sleep disorders can be treated , thus improving the quality of life of the sufferer as well as that of their families.