Sleep medicine guidelines, recommendations for clinical practice: the role of the European Sleep Research Society.

The European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) has a strong focus on sleep research in Europe. In addition, the ESRS supports sleep medicine in Europe by providing a platform of exchange and communication for the national sleep societies of all European countries and by providing committees that support co-ordination for important clinical activities. These committees help on clinical guidelines, certification of sleep centres, certification of sleep physicians, psychologists, sleep scientists, sleep technologists, and medical education in sleep medicine. For education in sleep medicine, a "Catalogue on knowledge and skills" has been developed based on a consensus process. This catalogue serves as the backbone for a European textbook on sleep medicine and as the basis for courses, qualifications, and examinations of somnologists in Europe. These activities are devoted to improving and maintain a high quality of care in Europe for sleep medicine services.