History

We have been diagnosing and treating sleep disorders in adults for 30 years.

Our research into respiratory conditions and sleep began in the 1970s under the leadership of Professor David Flenley, followed by Professor Sir Neil Douglas.

Increased recognition

With increasing recognition of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome, the Department began to grow exponentially and now sees and manages all sleep disorders including narcolepsy, parasomnias and circadian rhythm disorders.

Collaborative working

In the mid-1990s, the NHS took over the running of the clinical side of the Department, with the Sleep Research Unit remaining part of the University of Edinburgh. The Sleep Research Unit has expanded to foster collaborative work with other departments and specialties within Scotland and the UK, as well as with European partners.