The
Irish Sleep Society
(ISS) was officially founded
on 24th September 2005 following a meeting of healthcare
professionals who specialise in disorders of sleep. This
Professional Society was founded with the aim of
informing other healthcare professionals, administrators
and the public of the nature of problems that occur
during sleep and how these may affect health and
society.
Sleep allows for rest and repair of tissue, in
particular, the brain. When a person’s sleep is
disturbed this has an effect on their memory,
concentration and work performance. Disturbances in
sleep also contribute to weight gain, diabetes and heart
disease.
Sleep disturbance
may be due to insufficient sleep and
poor quality sleep both of which are
common consequences of modern living.
However, the increasing incidence of
obesity has led to an increased
incidence of sleep apnoea, a condition
in which people who snore stop breathing
during the night and despite an
apparently heavy sleep are constantly
tired and fall asleep during the day.
Sleepiness is also a major contributor to road traffic
accidents. “It took many years to recognise the dangers
of drinking and driving before legislation and society
responded. People with sleep apnoea may have the same
risk of road traffic accidents as people who drive at
twice the legal alcohol levels” Dr Costello, Consultant
Physician at Beaumont Hospital and spokesman for the
Society said. The society hopes to persuade the
Department of Transport to include the analysis of
sleepiness as a factor in road traffic accidents.
