Gastrointestinal & Liver Disease
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Sleep Disorders
The costs of sleep disorders can be staggering. Researchers estimate the direct cost of sleep deprivation and disorders to be $15.9 billion. Indirect costs associated with accidents and reduced productivity are estimated to be an additional $150 billion.
MMRF researchers at the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center (MRSDC) are responsible for many contributions to the field of sleep disorders research and education. For example, MRSDC research led to the discovery and documentation of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a condition in which the normal paralysis associated with REM sleep is absent and the sleeper physically acts out dreams and nightmares. MMRF researchers at the sleep center also conduct many studies on new medications for treatment of various sleep disorders including insomnia and narcolepsy.
In addition to research, the MRSDC is committed to the training of future sleep professionals. They have trained more than 265 fellows, residents and medical students many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of sleep medicine.
Current Research
Approximately 50 million Americans suffer with some type of sleep disorder. Sleep disorders can interfere with our quality of life and personal health, and endanger public safety because of their role in traffic and industrial accidents. Researchers estimate the direct cost of sleep deprivation and disorders to be $15.9 billion. Indirect costs associated with accidents and reduced productivity are estimated at an additional $150 billion. Fortunately, MMRF researchers at the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center (MRSDC) are studying treatments and issues surrounding sleep disorders.
Restless Leg Syndrome
The Sleep Lab is currently conducting clinical trials for two new medications for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). One trial is testing a pro-drug of gabapentin and the other is a patch medication. The Sleep Lab is currently recruiting volunteers for the gabapentin pro-drug study. Contact Ruth Elling at 612.873.4031 for more information.
Insomnia in Post-Transplant Patients
Michel Cramer-Bornemann, M.D., is conducting a study in conjunction with the University of Minnesota. This study examines using mindfulness based meditation as a treatment for insomnia in post transplant patients.
Mark W. Mahowald, M.D.
Medical Director, Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center
Department of Neurology, Hennepin County Medical Center
Michel Cramer-Bornemann, M.D.
Co Medical Director, Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center
Milton G. Ettinger, M.D.
Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center, Hennepin County Medical Center
Scott Bundlie, M.D.
Department of Neurology, Hennepin County Medical Center
Noah A. Sandler, D.M.D., M.D.
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Minnesota
Anthony DiAngelis, D.M.D.
Chief of Dentistry, Hennepin County Medical Center
Scott Davies, M.D.
Chief of Pulmonary Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center
Conrad Iber, M.D.
Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Division
Hennepin County Medical Center
William Marinelli, M.D.
Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Division
Hennepin County Medical Center
Robert Maisel, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Chief of Otolaryngology, Hennepin County Medical Center
George Goding, Jr., M.D.
Department of Otolaryngology, Hennepin County Medical Center
Rick Odland, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S.
Department of Otolaryngology, Hennepin County Medical Center
Gerald Rosen, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Hennepin County Medical Center
John Garcia, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Hennepin County Medical Center
Laurel Wills, M.D.
Department of Pediatrics, Hennepin County Medical Center
Stephen A. Smith, M.D.
Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neurology
Hennepin County Medical Center
Larry Dailey, M.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry
Hennepin County Medical Center
Michael Koch, M.D.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry
Hennepin County Medical Center
Christi Strangstalien, RPSGT
Supervisor, Sleep Center
Constance Ullevig, R.N.
Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center
Department of Neurology, Hennepin County Medical Center
Ruth Elling
Research Coordinator
612-873-4031
©2008 Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation
MMRF Webmaster
Last Modified:
June 6, 2008
