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Published on: January 25, 2016
Sleeping and dreaming in Greek mythology
Lady Jane da Silva Macedo1, Andreza Oliveira Alves1, Giordanno Santana Mazza2
1Instituto de Educação Superior do Vale do Parnaíba (IESVAP), Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil.
Abstract:
This article aims to emphasize the major influence of Ancient Greek Mythology on modern sleep medicine. An analysis of Greek texts and medical literature using the MeSH terms Greek mythology, sleep, Greek Gods, and myths was conducted to identify mythological references related to sleep medicine. The findings are discussed concerning etymology, the early conceptualization of some disorders, and the developing characterization of sleep disorders in Greek mythology. The search found several observations in clinical sleep medicine concealed in ancient myths. Beyond the etymology of terms and reflective imaginations, these myths and their characters influence concepts that still tantalize our medical practice in modern days.
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