Treatments for Sleep Disorders

Phase delays

Moving bedtime later (best approach)

Phase advances

Moving bedtime earlier (more difficult)

Improved sleep hygiene

bedroom is a place for sleep

Treatment for insomnia:

Benzodiazepines and over-the-counter sleep medications

Prolonged use of medications for insomnia can cause

rebound insomnia, dependence

Medications for insomnia are best as

a short term solution

Treatments for Hypersomnia and narcolepsy:

Stimulants

Example of a stimulant

Ritalin

Cataplexy usually treated with

antidepressants

Treatments for breathing-related sleep disorders may include

medications, weight loss, or mechanical devices

Treatments for circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders

* phase delays
* phase advances
* use of very bright light

Use of very bright light

Trick the brain’s biological clock

Psychological treatment for insomnia

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): Psychoeducation

about sleep

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): Changing beliefs

about sleep

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): Extensive

monitoring using sleep diary

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): Practicing

better sleep-related habits

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): Changing assumptions

that they can’t function well on little sleep

Psychological Treatments for Sleep Disorders: Relaxation and

stress reduction

Psychological Treatments for Sleep Disorders: Stimulus

control procedures

Relaxation and stress reduction reduces

stress and assists with sleep

Relaxation and stress reduction modifies

unrealistic expectations about sleep

Stimulus control procedures for children –

setting a regular bedtime routine

Best approach for prevention:

Practice healthy “sleep hygiene”

Sleep hygiene:

behaviors that lead to adequate quality and quantity of sleep

Also helpful to educate parents about

good sleep habits for children