Sleep medicine in China: current clinical practice

The modern practice of sleep medicine in China was introduced in the 1980s and has undergone significant development over the past few decades. The field has witnessed an increase in sleep laboratories, the publication of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, and the establishment of several sleep medicine associations. Despite these achievements, there is still much to be done in this field. By utilizing original national survey data, this study comprehensively discusses the current practice of sleep medicine in China, including sleep medicine training, diagnostic capacity, multidisciplinary care, clinical competence and standardization, sleep telemedicine, barriers to the practice of sleep medicine, and costs of sleep medicine. It is imperative for the Chinese health care authorities to enhance their attention and investment in the field of sleep medicine. Urgent implementation of standardized training programs and accreditation systems is necessary to promote the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in China.