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