Sleep Medicine in Brazil

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Sleep Medicine has only recently become a medical specialty in Brazil. There are few qualified professionals in this field, and they are mainly concentrated in metropolitan areas. Access to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders is not yet homogeneous for the entire population. In Brazil, there is a public health system called the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) that offers free and universal health access to all. Although it can be difficult and time-consuming to access a sleep assessment, SUS offers free diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders. However, private clinics and hospitals provide more treatment options and faster access compared to the public sector, but at a high cost. Sleep Medicine is not yet a mandatory discipline in medical training, and most specialized courses and professional development in sleep are not free. With respect to the sleep research being carried out in Brazil, most basic research is concentrated on the effects of sleep deprivation, and clinical research into the health consequences of sleep disorders and possible interventions. Modern society is increasingly subject to sleep restriction and the consequences of sleep disturbances. As a result, sleep has attracted more attention and interest from the media and the general population. Sleep Medicine in Brazil has experienced a significant expansion in knowledge over the last 20 years, and the prospects are positive in relation to future research and the training of specialized professionals.