Neuro?science
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on the development, structure, and function of the nervous system in health and disease. This field integrates perspectives from cellular and molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, psychology, medicine, and other disciplines to advance our understanding of neurological conditions and develop treatments for major causes of death in both developed and developing nations.
The Sleep Health Research Group
The Sleep Health Research Group within the Division of Clinical Anatomy primarily focuses on sleep research, addressing the global call for more extensive investigation into sleep. Our research utilizes innovative techniques to study sleep in various population groups under naturalistic conditions. Given the global lack of population-based sleep data and the limited data available on South African population groups, our work is particularly crucial.
One of our key research areas involves the study of binaural beats and their impact on sleep health. Binaural beats are auditory illusions that occur when two slightly different frequencies are presented to each ear. Researching their potential to improve sleep health is vital, as it could offer a non-invasive, cost-effective solution to sleep disorders, which are increasingly prevalent in modern society.
Our research furthermore explores how socio-environmental factors impact sleep and aim to raise awareness about the importance of good sleep health for overall well-being. Poor sleep is linked to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders. By promoting better sleep practices and understanding the critical role of sleep in mental and physical health, our work has significant societal impacts.
The Sleep Health Research Group is dedicated to advancing public health by contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sleep. Through our rigorous studies and innovative approaches, we aim to improve sleep health not only within South Africa but also globally, addressing a crucial aspect of human health that has long been overlooked.
"If sleep does not serve an absolutely vital function, then it is the biggest mistake the evolutionary process has ever made."
- Prof. Emeritus Allan Rechtschaffen, sleep research pioneer.
For more information on our research projects or to collaborate with us, please contact:
Dr. Nadine Rampf
Email: nrampf@sun.ac.za
