Epidemiology of Sleep and Circadian Health

Abstract A growing body of basic, clinical, and epidemiological research has convincingly established sleep as one of the core biological and behavioral determinants of human health and a prime target for interventions for disease prevention and health promotion. In this chapter, the authors review epidemiological evidence concerning four important aspects of sleep and circadian research. They begin by discussing the epidemiology of sleep disorders, 24-hour rest–activity rhythms, and multidimensional sleep health, with specific emphasis on sleep across the life span and gender and sex differences in sleep. They then discuss the individual-level and contextual determinants of sleep. Following this, they review the health consequences of sleep deficiency and circadian impairment. Finally, they discuss methodological considerations in epidemiological research of sleep and circadian health.