title: Sleep Medicine in Saudi Arabia.
abstract: The practice of sleep medicine in Saudi Arabia began in the mid to late 1990s. Since its establishment, this specialty has grown, and the number of specialists has increased. Based on the available data, sleep disorders are prevalent among the Saudi population, and the demand for sleep medicine services is expected to increase significantly. Currently, two training programs are providing structured training and certification in sleep medicine in this country. Recently, clear guidelines for accrediting sleep medicine specialists and technologists were approved. Nevertheless, numerous obstacles hamper the progress of this specialty, including the lack of trained technicians, specialists, and funding. Increasing the awareness of sleep disorders and their serious consequences among health care workers, health care authorities, and insurance companies is another challenge. Future plans should address the medical educational system at all levels to demonstrate the importance of early detection and the treatment of sleep disorders. This review discusses the current position of and barriers to sleep medicine practice and education in Saudi Arabia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Aljohara S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Almeneessier
authors.affiliation: University Sleep Disorders Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ahmed S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: BaHammam
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002568:Certification; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D056508:Sleep Medicine Specialty / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Saudi Arabia; barriers; developing countries; education; polysomnography; sleep medicine