Psych 257 - Lecture 6: Sleep-Wake Disorders

Sleep deprivation – physical effects

Sleep deprivation – psychological effects

Sleep-Wake Disorders (2)

1. Dyssomnias

Difficulties getting enough sleep

Difficulties with the quality of sleep

2. Parasomnias

The Major Dyssomnias

 Insomnia disorder (most common - trouble sleeping)

 Hypersomnolence disorders (too much sleep - sleepy through day) 

 Narcolepsy (awake but paralyzed like in REM sleep) 

 Breathing-related sleep disorders

 Sleep apnea

 Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders

Treatment & prevention 

 Medical

 Environmental

 Psychological

• Medications (e.g., benzodiazepines) vs. CBT

• Prolonged use of meds can cause dependence

• Rebound insomnia

• CBT is more effective, but can be hard work for patients

Prevention: Good sleep habits

Understanding Insomnia: A Cognitive Perspective

• Relative to good sleepers, those with insomnia are more likely to:

1) Have distorted perception of sleep length and sleep quality

2) Experience increased intrusive worries when they try to sleep

3) Endorse unhelpful, negative beliefs about sleep:

• Unrealistic expectations

• Catastrophizing

4) Endorse positive meta-beliefs about benefits of worrying in bed

5) Selectively attend to “threats,” in internal and external environments during both waking and sleeping hours:

• Monitor body for signs of fatigue

• Monitor mood for poor coping

• Monitor performance for indications of failure

6) Try to conserve energy during waking hours (e.g., cancel appointments, avoid exercise, social events)

Parasomnias

 Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep Arousal Disorders

 Sleep terrors

 Sleepwalking

 Nightmare Disorde