Treatments for Sleep Disorders

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

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

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