Sleep societies and sleep training programs in Latin America

Abstract

Study Objectives: To describe and compare current information about sleep societies, training programs, and requirements for certification in sleep medicine across Latin America. Methods: Online research was conducted from July-September 2019. Search terms and logic were established, including every region or territory in Latin America. Members of sleep societies were contacted to complete missing information. Results: There are 11 sleep societies in Latin America included in the Federation of Latin American Sleep Societies. They have varied levels of available online information. Regarding training programs, Brazil offers a sleep medicine residency and Mexico includes sleep training in the neurophysiology specialty; both countries offer sleep medicine certification. Sleep societies of Colombia and Argentina have developed their own certification processes. Conclusions: There are remarkable differences in sleep society consolidation, training programs, available certification, terminology, regulatory entities, and requirements in Latin America, which may increase difficulties and obstacles for a multinational certification project.