Treatments for Sleep Disorders

Overview

  • Insomnia
    • Benzodiazepines and over-the-counter sleep medications
    • Prolonged use
    • Can cause rebound insomnia, dependence
    • Best as short-term solution
  • Hypersomnia and narcolepsy
    • Stimulants (i.e., Ritalin)
    • Cataplexy usually treated with antidepressants
  • Breathing-related sleep disorders
    • May include medications, weight loss, or mechanical devices
  • Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders
    • Phase delays: Moving bedtime later (best approach)
    • Phase advances: Moving bedtime earlier (more difficult)
    • Use of very bright light
    • Trick the brain’s biological clock
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
    • Psychoeducation about sleep
    • Changing beliefs about sleep
    • Extensive monitoring using sleep diary
    • Practicing better sleep-related habits
    • Changing assumptions that they can’t function well on little sleep

Psychological Treatments for Sleep Disorders

  • Relaxation and stress reduction
    • Reduces stress and assists with sleep
    • Modify unrealistic expectations about sleep
  • Stimulus control procedures
    • Improved sleep hygiene – bedroom is a place for sleep
    • For children – setting a regular bedtime routine

Preventing Sleep Disorders

  • Best approach: Practice healthy “sleep hygiene”
    • (behaviors that lead to adequate quality and quantity of sleep)
  • Also helpful to educate parents about good sleep habits for children