People-centered language recommendations for sleep research communication
An article by HRCS Director Rebecca Fuoco, MPH has been published in the journal SLEEP. Guidance for improving the language researchers use to talk to and about people with studied health conditions has been issued in several fields, including psychology and endocrinology. This article is the first to develop such recommendations for the sleep research field. Additionally, these guidelines combine people-first terminology with 
language considerations around neutrality and autonomy into a novel and comprehensive “people-centered” approach. For full article, click here.
Abstract:
The growing embrace of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) in sleep medicine is a significant step forward for the field. In engaging and incorporating the unique perspectives of people with sleep disorders, PCOR enhances the relevance of findings and facilitates the uptake of research into practice. While centering research design around what matters most to people with sleep disorders is critical, research communication must be similarly people-centered. One approach is using “people-centered language” in both professional and public communications. People-centered language is rooted in sociolinguistic research demonstrating that language both reflects and shapes attitudes. People-centered language puts people first, is precise and neutral, and respects autonomy. By adhering to the language guidelines described in this article, sleep researchers will better serve the field’s most important stakeholders.
Citation:
Fuoco RE. People-centered language recommendations for sleep research communication. Sleep 2017 zsx039. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsx039