Evolution of Sleep: Phylogenetic and Functional Perspectives [Hardcover]

Patrick McNamara (Editor), Robert A. Barton (Editor), Charles L. Nunn (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521894972 | ISBN-13: 978-0521894975 | Publication Date: October 12, 2009

Research during the past two decades has produced major advances in understanding sleep within particular species. Simultaneously, molecular advances have made it possible to generate phylogenetic trees, while new analytical methods provide the tools to examine macroevolutionary change on these trees. These methods have recently been applied to questions concerning the evolution of distinctive sleep state characteristics and functions. This book synthesizes recent advances in our understanding of the evolutionary origins of sleep and its adaptive function, and it lays the groundwork for future evolutionary research by assessing sleep patterns in the major animal lineages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is necessary reading for anyone working in sleep medicine. The reader will understand better why today, despite the abundant research reported in this book, we are far from understanding the entire function of sleep in humans. Yet at the same time, a good understanding can be gained about the evolutionary threads that can be perceived through phylogenetic analyses. We can use investigations of many different models to improve our knowledge of both animal and human sleep, and design protocols to pursue our quest to understand one of our vital functions.
Mia Zaharna Christian Guilleminault, Division of Sleep Medicine Stanford University for American Journal of Human Biology

Book Description

This edited volume consists of a collection of essays from experts on the phylogeny, biology, and expression of sleep states in a broad range of animal species, from insects to mammals. An introductory chapter summarizes the history of the study of the evolutionary origins of sleep and basic concepts in sleep science, and a concluding set of chapters is devoted to synthesizing patterns documented in the previous chapters.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521894972
• ISBN-13: 978-0521894975
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,814,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)