Sleep and Sleep Disorders Notes

Sleep Basics

• Non-REM Sleep: Includes the first few stages of sleep.
• REM Sleep:
  • The stage where we mostly dream.
  • Brain wave patterns are similar to when we are awake or aroused.
• Melatonin: Very sensitive to daylight; its production is affected by light exposure.
• Sleep Patterns During Adolescence: Tendency to sleep more during the adolescence period.

Insomnia

• High Rates: Insomnia is common, especially in certain populations (not specified).
• Types:
  • Onset Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep.
  • Maintenance Insomnia: Difficulty staying asleep.
• Association with psychiatric conditions: Common in psychiatric conditions.
• Alcohol: Strongly associated with sleep problems.

Sleep and Pain

• Pain Perception: If you stop people from sleeping, they report being in pain more.
• Coping with Pain: The less sleep you have, the less likely you are to be able to cope with pain.

Sleep Apnea

• Definition: A condition where a person stops breathing for a period of time during sleep.
• Treatment:
  • Sleep Apnea Machines (CPAP): Keep constant pressure to maintain open airways.
  • Medication: Not commonly given, as studies show that they aren’t that effective when taken for more than 2 weeks.

Treatments for Sleep Disorders

• Behavioral Recommendations: Using the bed for sleep or sex only to reinforce the association of the bed with those activities.