Affiliations
Faculties and schools_
Sleep medicine
Understanding the physiology and disorders of sleep
Advances in respiratory medicine, neurophysiology and circadian biology, and the interactions between sleep and other body systems underpin this evolving and relatively new clinical field.
Courses in sleep medicine
Our range of postgraduate sleep medicine programs are designed for medical and health professionals who are interested in developing specialised expertise.
We are pleased to offer both streams at a certificate, diploma and master's level, to enable students greater flexibility with the level of commitment.
All of our postgraduate coursework programs are available 100% online.
Courses for medical graduates
- Graduate Certificate in Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Master of Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Master of Medicine (Advanced) (Sleep Medicine)
Courses for health professionals
- Graduate Certificate in Science in Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Graduate Diploma in Science in Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Master of Science in Medicine (Sleep Medicine)
- Master of Science in Medicine (Advanced) (Sleep Medicine)
Postgraduate research
The University offers a range of research opportunities to help you pursue your passion for sleep medicine. Explore our areas of research excellence and choose to undertake a:
You can also learn more about research opportunities in the Faculty of Medicine and Health by visiting our postgraduate research page.
Professional development and short courses
The University of Sydney offers short courses in medicine. Visit our short courses section to learn more about available topics and upcoming dates.
It is also possible to complete almost any unit of study as a non-award student.
Our research
Established in the 1980’s in response to a growing interest in the field of sleep medicine, the Specialty of Sleep Medicine at the University of Sydney has become a global leader in sleep medicine research, education and professional development.
Committed to enhancing sleep research and education across the University and its affiliated hospitals and institutes, we bring together researchers from diverse disciplines across the University to conduct research in:
- adult and paediatric sleep and breathing disorders
- behavioural sleep medicine
- chronobiology
- clinical sleep medicine
- dental sleep medicine
- driver fatigue
- neurobiology of sleep
- endocrine, metabolic and cardiovascular aspects of sleep
- epidemiology of sleep loss and sleep disorders
- medicolegal aspects of sleep disorders
- neuropsychology and psychiatric aspects of sleep
- primary care roles in sleep health
- shift work, workplace safety and fatigue
- sleep pharmacology and quality use of medications in sleep
- sleep in pregnancy.
Our rich history of achievement, mentorship and research has expanded this interdisciplinary field across the University. Our research has contributed to many advancements in clinical sleep medicine, including:
- pioneering of positive airway pressure treatment for sleep-related breathing disorders
- elucidation of the endocrine and metabolic consequences of sleep-disordered breathing and the neurobiology of sleep loss
- early recognition of the link of sleep disorders with cardiovascular diseases
- delineation of fundamental mechanisms of upper airway pathophysiology in sleep apnoea
- recognition and development of the role of oral appliances in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea
- pioneering work and development in the field of paediatric sleep medicine
- enhancing the understanding of the neurobiology of sleep disorders and the links to cognitive impairment and dementia
- modelling of sleep processes and circadian biology
- linking sleep apnoea and circadian disruption to cancer develpment
A network of facilities supports the diverse research endeavours of the specialty. State-of-the-art sleep laboratories and supporting research infrastructure for adults and children, as well as a unique chronobiology and long-term monitoring facility are available across our network of affiliated research centres.
- Brain and Mind Centre
- Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) to Optimise Sleep in Brain Ageing and Neurodegeneration
- Charles Perkins Centre (Sleep Research Theme)
- David Read Laboratory, The University of Sydney
- Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital
- Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
- Department of Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Westmead Hospital
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Concord Hospital
- Ludwig Engel Centre for Respiratory Research, Millennium Institute, Westmead Hospital
- Sleep & Circadian Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
- The Sydney Children's Hospital Network
Our people
- Professor Peter Cistulli, Head of Specialty
For general enquiries about the specialty and study options please email:
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