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Published on: August 8, 2019
Why Does the History of Circadian Rhythms Matter for Sleep Today?
Caroline Skolnik1, Sabra Abbott2
1Assistant professor of internal medicine in the Division of Sleep Medicine in the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.
Abstract:
A paradigm shift in circadian science is underway, exposing ethical tensions from a legacy of pervasive neglect of circadian disorders. This article canvasses ethical questions about stigma, justice, and accommodation that should be formally recognized to reconceive circadian care. Responding to these questions first requires confronting medicine's long-standing history of ableism in how circadian disorders are understood. This article also examines historical origins of the clinical and ethical need to expand diagnostic and therapeutic care access for patients with circadian disorders. Finally, this article recommends how to create space within the disabilities movement for persons with circadian disorders.
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