Sleep disorders

Treatment:

Insomnia - The treatment is related to the cause, if it is determined. If there is an obvious physical or psychological cause, it is treated. Attempts to control environmental and lifestyle factors such as too much light, noise, caffeine or other stimulants, or erratic hours of wakefulness should be made. Sleeping drugs should be used only when prescribed by a health care provider.

Hypersomnia - Sleep apnea is treated with weight reduction and the administration of air under pressure through the nose. Occasionally, surgery or other measures may be needed. Narcolepsy is treated with stimulating medications during the daytime. Nocturnal myoclonus is treated by treating the underlying disorder and with opiate or dopaminergic agonists.

Parasomnias - Night terrors are treated with hypnosis, guided imagery techniques and benzodiazepines, but safety measures are needed to prevent people from harm during nighttime walking.

Sleep disorder clinics often are able to help people restore normal sleeping patterns through various techniques.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies with the type of disorder; some disorders may resolve spontaneously.

Complications:

A complication is dependence upon sedatives or other medications prescribed for sleep disorders

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if lack of sleep or too much sleep is interfering with daily living.

Also call if breath-holding spells are observed during sleep.