Charles Czeisler

BWH researchers discussed recent novel findings in sleep medicine during this afternoon session. Frank Scheer, PhD, MSc, neuroscientist and director of BWH’s Medical Chronobiology Program, shared information about circadian rhythms and the timing of meals, which may help prevent physiological changes that put overnight workers more at risk for the development of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Susan Redline, MD, MPH, program director in the BWH Division of Sleep and Cardiovascular Medicine, spoke about the high prevalence of sleep apnea, treatment options available to patients today and opportunities to improve screening, diagnosis and treatment with use of patient-centered research. Charles Czeisler, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, discussed our country’s sleep deficiency epidemic and why sleep is so crucial to good health. Czeisler said while we are all facing increased pressures to meet the demands of everyday life, we must ensure that we get adequate sleep (seven to nine hours per night for adults) in order for our bodies and our brains to perform at their best. New Yorker writer Maria Konnikova served as moderator.