As a physician caring for patients with sleep apnea, Dr. Veasey noted that many patients have persistent sleepiness despite effective therapy for sleep apnea. Her research has identified key molecular pathways behind neural injury in sleep apnea, an understanding of which could help prevent or minimize this type of neural injury, which affects alertness. Many patients with various heart, lung, and blood disorders have frequent sleep disruption secondary to their illnesses. Dr. Veasey's work provides strong evidence that sleep disorders necessitate early diagnosis and treatment.