Authors submitting to a special issue should review the thematic scope and follow JSDR submission standards. Special issues follow the same peer review and production workflow as regular submissions.

• Confirm scope fit with the special issue theme
• Prepare data and code availability statements
• Document sleep disorder definitions and cohorts
• Ensure figures and tables are publication ready
• Prepare a cover letter referencing the special issue

Clearly indicate the special issue title in the cover letter and manuscript metadata. This helps editors route the submission to the correct guest editor team.

All special issue submissions undergo initial screening for scope fit, ethical compliance, and data transparency. Submissions that do not align with the theme may be redirected to the regular journal track.

Proposals should define scope, novelty, and community need. Include the elements below to expedite review.

• Define the sleep science theme and clinical relevance clearly.
• List proposed guest editors and their affiliations.
• Provide a short rationale for why the topic is timely.
• Outline the scope and boundaries of the special issue.
• Suggest target article types and expected volume.
• Provide a preliminary timeline for submissions and review.
• Identify potential contributors or invited authors.
• Describe how the issue aligns with JSDR priorities.
• Include plans for outreach and community engagement.
• State any planned collaborations or consortium ties.
• Confirm ethical standards and reporting expectations.
• Share contact information for the lead guest editor.

Guest editors coordinate peer review, maintain timelines, and uphold editorial standards.

• Coordinate peer review and recommend reviewers.
• Maintain unbiased decisions and conflict disclosures.
• Provide clear feedback and manage revision timelines.
• Ensure manuscripts meet reporting and ethics standards.
• Communicate regularly with the editorial office.
• Track milestones and keep authors informed.
• Support promotional efforts once accepted.
• Confirm final issue readiness before publication.

Special issues benefit from active outreach to the sleep research community.

• Share a call for papers with key societies and networks.
• Invite contributors with complementary expertise.
• Coordinate timelines for reviews and revisions.
• Highlight accepted articles through webinars or events.
• Provide a short issue summary for dissemination.
• Work with the editorial office on promotional messaging.

Coordinated outreach helps achieve target volume and visibility.

The editorial office uses these signals to confirm scope and readiness. When core details are complete, screening is faster and peer review begins sooner.

• Confirm study design and outcome definitions are clear.
• Ensure tables and figures are referenced in the text.
• Provide complete author affiliations and contact details.
• Include data access statements and supporting links.
• Verify that funding and ethics statements are complete.

JSDR is committed to rigorous, transparent publishing in sleep science and sleep disorder research. We emphasize reproducible methods, clear clinical reporting, and ethical compliance across all article types.

The editorial office supports authors, editors, and reviewers with clear guidance and responsive communication. For questions about scope or workflow, contact [email protected].

We encourage continuous improvement in reporting practices and share updates that help the community maintain high standards in sleep research and clinical sleep medicine.