Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

 

The power of sleep to heal the body cannot be underestimated. Most research indicates that 7–8 hours of sleep are a minimum that people need to stay healthy. Clients who come to the PMHNP’s office frequently complain of sleep problems. It is estimated that 10–20% of patients report some type of sleeping problem. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

In this Discussion, you will analyze the diagnostic criteria and evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for sleep/wake disorders.

To prepare for this Discussion:

  • By Day 5 of Week 9, your Instructor will have assigned you a sleep/wake disorder, which will be the focus of your original post for this Discussion. ****NIGHTMARE DISORDER*****
  • Review the Learning Resources.

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Post:

  • Explain the diagnostic criteria for your assigned sleep/wake disorder.
  • Explain the evidenced-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for your assigned sleep/wake disorder.
  • Describe at what point you would refer the client to their primary care physician for an additional referral to a neurologist, pulmonologist, or physician specializing in sleep disorders and explain why.
  • Support your rationale with references to the Learning Resources or other academic resource.
What Are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. Whether they are caused by a health problem or by too much stress, sleep disorders are becoming increasingly common in the United States. In fact, more than 75 percentTrusted Source of Americans between ages 20 and 59 report having sleeping difficulties fairly regularly.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Most people occasionally experience sleeping problems due to stress, hectic schedules, and other outside influences. However, when these issues begin to occur on a regular basis and interfere with daily life, they may indicate a sleeping disorder.

Depending on the type of sleep disorder, people may have a difficult time falling asleep and may feel extremely tired throughout the day. The lack of sleep can have a negative impact on energy, mood, concentration, and overall health.

In some cases, sleep disorders can be a symptom of another medical or mental health condition. These sleeping problems may eventually go away once treatment is obtained for the underlying cause. When sleep disorders aren’t caused by another condition, treatment normally involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes.

It’s important to receive a diagnosis and treatment right away if you suspect you might have a sleep disorder. When left untreated, the negative effects of sleep disorders can lead to further health consequences. They can also affect your performance at work, cause strain in relationships, and impair your ability to perform daily activities.

Having trouble sleeping? See a visual guide of how sleep deprivation affects the body »

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Disorders?

Symptoms can differ depending on the severity and type of sleeping disorder. They may also vary when sleep disorders are a result of another condition. However, general symptoms of sleep disorders include:

  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • daytime fatigue
  • strong urge to take naps during the day
  • irritability or anxiety
  • lack of concentration
  • depression
What Causes Sleep Disorders?

There are many conditions, diseases, and disorders that can cause sleep disturbances. In many cases, sleep disorders develop as a result of an underlying health problem.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Allergies and Respiratory Problems

Allergies, colds, and upper respiratory infections can make it challenging to breathe at night. The inability to breathe through your nose can also cause sleeping difficulties.

Nocturia

Nocturia, or frequent urination, may disrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up during the night. Hormonal imbalances and diseases of the urinary tract may contribute to the development of this condition. (Be sure to call your doctor right away if frequent urination is accompanied by bleeding or pain.)

Chronic Pain

Constant pain can make it difficult to fall asleep. It might even wake you up after you fall asleep. Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:

  • arthritis
  • chronic fatigue syndrome
  • fibromyalgia
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • persistent headaches
  • continuous lower back pain

In some cases, chronic pain may even be exacerbated by sleep disorders. For instance, doctors believe the development of fibromyalgia might be linked to sleeping problems.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety often have a negative impact on sleep quality. It can be difficult for you to fall asleep or to stay asleep. Nightmares, sleep talking, or sleepwalking may also disrupt your sleep.

What Are the Different Types of Sleep Disorders?

There are numerous different types of sleep disorders. Some may be caused by other underlying health conditions.

Insomnia

Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. It can be caused by jet lag, stress and anxiety, hormones, or digestive problems. It may also be a symptom of another condition. Insomnia can be very problematic for your overall health and quality of life, potentially causing:

  • depression
  • difficulty concentrating
  • irritability
  • weight gain
  • impaired work or school performance

Unfortunately, insomnia is extremely common in the United States. Approximately 50 percent of American adults experience it at some point in their lives. The disorder is most prevalent among older adults and women.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Insomnia is usually classified as one of three types:

  • chronic, which is when insomnia happens on a regular basis for at least one month
  • intermittent, which is when insomnia occurs periodically
  • transient, which is when insomnia lasts for just a few nights at a time

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This is a serious medical condition that causes the body to take in less oxygen. It can also cause you to wake up during the night.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Parasomnias

Parasomnias are a class of sleep disorders that cause abnormal movements and behaviors during sleep. They include:

  • sleepwalking
  • sleep talking
  • groaning
  • nightmares
  • bedwetting
  • teeth grinding or jaw clenching

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is an overwhelming need to move the legs. This urge is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation in the legs. While these symptoms can occur during the day, they are most prevalent at night. RLS is often associated with certain health conditions, including ADHD and Parkinson’s disease, but the exact cause isn’t always known.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is characterized by “sleep attacks” that occur during the day. This means that you will suddenly feel extremely tired and fall asleep without warning. The disorder can also cause sleep paralysis, which may make you physically unable to move right after waking up. Although narcolepsy may occur on its own, it is also associated with certain neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.

How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?

Your doctor will first perform a physical exam and gather information about your symptoms and medical history. They will also order various tests, including:

  • polysomnography: a sleep study that evaluates oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves to determine how they disrupt sleep
  • electroencephalogram: a test that assesses electrical activity in the brain and detects any potential problems associated with this activity
  • genetic blood testing: a blood test commonly used to diagnose narcolepsy and other underlying health conditions that might be causing sleeping problems

These tests can be crucial in determining the right course of treatment for sleep disorders.

How Are Sleep Disorders Treated?

Treatment for sleep disorders can vary depending on the type and underlying cause. However, it generally includes a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatment for sleep disturbances might include any of the following:

  • sleeping pills
  • melatonin supplements
  • allergy or cold medication
  • medications for any underlying health issues
  • breathing device or surgery (usually for sleep apnea)
  • a dental guard (usually for teeth grinding)

Find the Best Medications for Insomnia »

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle adjustments can greatly improve your quality of sleep, especially when they’re done along with medical treatments. You may want to consider:

  • incorporating more vegetables and fish into your diet, and reducing sugar intake
  • reducing stress and anxiety by exercising
  • creating and sticking to a regular sleeping schedule
  • drinking less water before bedtime
  • limiting your caffeine intake, especially in the late afternoon or evening
  • decreasing tobacco and alcohol use
  • eating smaller low carbohydrate meals before bedtime

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can also significantly improve your sleep quality. While you might be tempted to sleep in on the weekends, this can make it more difficult to wake up and fall asleep during the workweek.Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

What Is the Outlook for Someone with a Sleep Disorder?

The effects of sleep disorders can be so disruptive that you will likely want immediate relief. Unfortunately, long-term cases can take a bit more time to resolve. However, if you stick with your treatment plan and regularly communicate with your doctor, you can eventually find your way to better sleep. You may also want to visit the National Sleep Foundation website for additional resources to share with your doctor. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

How to Diagnose & Treat the 5 Most Common Sleep Disorders

SLEEP DISORDERS

Having trouble sleeping is commonly reported throughout the world. According to the American Sleep Association (AMA), sleep disorders currently affect as many as 50 to 70 million U.S adults, and insomnia is the most commonly reported.

As a sleep technologist, you should know that if your patients are unable to sleep, it can get them down. It can also be very dangerous. AMA reports that drowsy driving is responsible for as many as 1,550 deaths and 40,000 injuries per year on America’s roads.

Thankfully, there are treatments available that you can talk to your patients about for the five most common sleep disorders:

  • Insomnia
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless Legs Syndrome
  • and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.

In this article, we look at the diagnosis and treatment of these sleep disorders.

In order to get an official diagnosis, it’s crucial that patients seek medical advice from a sleep physician if they recognize that they or someone they love is exhibiting any symptoms of these five conditions. The information below relating to diagnosing sleep disorders is for educational purposes only.

Discover the latest explanations of key terms used in sleep technology, while also learning about the key concepts you should know with our free ebook, “Sleep Technology Terms & Definitions.”

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Insomnia

Insomnia is the term for a difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. There are two different types of insomnia. Transient or short-term insomnia and chronic insomnia. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

  1. Transient or Short-Term Insomnia. This type of insomnia often occurs in the aftermath of a stressful life event — for example, losing a loved one or going through relationship issues. It can also happen if you work shifts or have jet lag. You might be unable to relax, experience disturbed sleep, and may be unable to pinpoint any real reason for your inability to sleep.
  2. Chronic Insomnia. Chronic insomnia is characterized by experiencing non-restorative sleep, having difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep for at least one month. You feel exhausted during the day. If you have chronic intermittent insomnia, you experience a sleeping pattern where you have a few nights of good sleep alternating with many nights of insomnia. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

There are various reasons you can develop insomnia. These include:

  • Poor sleep hygiene
  • Sleep-related breathing disorders
  • Medical conditions
  • Disrupted sleep-wake schedule
  • Hormonal changes
  • Limb movements during sleep
  • Circadian rhythm disorders

Common Symptoms of Insomnia

You could have insomnia if:

  • You can’t sleep even when you’re tired.
  • You can’t get enough sleep to feel well-rested and refreshed.
  • You experience restless sleep and are exhausted when you awaken.

You’ll be unable to concentrate and will feel tired and irritable. Your quality of life and social life may be affected. You may also suffer from headaches, tense muscles, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Common Treatment Types for Insomnia

Medications tailored to your own specific needs are prescribed. For instance, if anxiety or depression are the underlying cause of your condition, your physician may prescribe you with antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. Medications for sleep can be used as well, but are typically prescribed to be used on a short-term or as-needed basis. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Non-medical methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy, hypnosis, sleep restriction, stimulus control, and relaxation techniques, can also be used to treat insomnia. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, are also advised. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious yet common sleep disorder. Your airway repeatedly becomes blocked, and you’ll stop breathing. When this occurs, you might make choking noises or will snore loudly. You wake up as your body and brain are oxygen deprived. You may find this happens once or twice a night. However, it can happen hundreds of times a night in severe cases.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

You could have sleep apnea if:

  • You wake up during the night with a dry or a sore throat.
  • You snore loudly.
  • You wake up from time to time gasping or choking.
  • You feel extremely sleepy during the day.
  • You lack energy in general.
  • You suffer from headaches.
  • You feel tired and irritable.

Common Treatment Types for Sleep Apnea

There are various ways sleep apnea can be treated, including:

CPAP Therapy. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure therapy) machine is used to keep your airways open as you sleep. The machine uses mild air pressure and is attached to a mask or prongs that fit in your nose.

Alternatives. There are other alternatives if you don’t like the idea of wearing a mask to bed. You can choose to:

  • Wear a dental or oral appliance. To find out more, this article, Pros and Cons of Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, provides the ways in which an oral appliance can help patients with sleep apnea, as well as the shortcomings of a using a dental device for sleep apnea.
  • Have surgery. If oral appliances and CPAP don’t work for you, surgery is an option.
  • Undergo a weight management program. Losing weight may help improve or eliminate your symptoms if you’re obese or overweight.
  • Try positional therapy. Some people primarily suffer from sleep apnea when they sleep on their back. Positional therapy often involves wearing a device that keeps you sleeping on your side.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy causes you to suddenly fall asleep at any time no matter where you are. Often times, you fall asleep uncontrollably during unusual circumstances, such as while eating. People with narcolepsy are unable to regulate their sleep-wake cycle. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Common Symptoms of Narcolepsy

You could have narcolepsy if:

  • You fall asleep without warning.
  • You feel very drowsy during the day.
  • You suffer from sleep paralysis.
  • You experience cataplexy (temporary loss of muscle control that makes you feel weak or could make you collapse. Cataplexy is usually a response to emotions like anger or laughter).
  • Hallucinations as you transition from wake to sleep (hypnagogic) or from sleep to wake (hypnopompic).
  • Insomnia and disturbed nighttime sleep.

Common Treatment Types for Narcolepsy

Treatment is via scheduled naps and medication. To find out more, read Do I Have Narcolepsy? How Polysomnography and MSLT Help Us To Understand.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) presents as an uncontrollable urge or desire to maneuver your legs while you’re resting. You could also experience unpleasant aching, tingling, burning, and a feeling that something is crawling in your calves. Sometimes you feel these uncomfortable sensations in other body parts.

Common Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

You could have restless legs syndrome if:

  • You feel strong urges to move your legs.
  • You suffer from a crawling sensation or ache in your legs.
  • Your symptoms are worse when you’re inactive.
  • Your symptoms get worse at night.
  • You find some relief from your symptoms when you stretch, walk, or move.

Common Treatment Types for Restless Legs Syndrome

Medications and behavioral therapy can be used to treat RLS. Take a look at Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder for more information on RLS and its related disorder, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

When you have REM sleep behavior disorder, you act out your dreams while you sleep. You lack the muscle paralysis most people experience while asleep. When the condition causes danger to you or anyone around you, it’s taken particularly seriously.

Common Symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

You could have REM sleep behavior disorder if:

  • You move your limbs in your sleep.
  • You shout, talk, hit, punch, scream, and more while asleep.

Common Treatment Types for REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder is commonly treated with medications. Injury prevention is key if you’re affected. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

Key Takeaways

It’s crucial to seek professional help if you’re experiencing sleep problems and feel you recognize any of the symptoms above are happening to you. To summarize:

  • Sleep disorders are very common in the U.S. today.
  • Insomnia is characterized by being unable to sleep when you’re tired, feeling exhausted when you wake up, and you can’t get enough sleep to feel well-rested.
  • Insomnia is treated with medications as well as with non-medical methods, such as cognitive behavior therapy and lifestyle changes.
  • Sleep apnea is characterized by heavy snoring and waking up at night gasping or choking.
  • Sleep apnea can be treated in a variety of ways, including CPAP therapy, weight loss, surgery, positional therapy, and by wearing an oral or dental appliance.
  • Narcolepsy is characterized by falling asleep suddenly no matter where you are.
  • Narcolepsy is treated with medication and scheduled naps.
  • Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your limbs (legs) while you’re resting at night. You could also be in pain and feel an uncomfortable crawling sensation.
  • Medications and behavioral therapy can significantly help you if you have RLS.
  • REM sleep behavior disorder can be dangerous. You live out your dreams at night and can kick out, shout, and talk. You may inadvertently hurt yourself, your sleeping partner, or someone else in your household. The condition must be diagnosed and treated without delay.
  • Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder is treated with medications alongside injury prevention.  Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.

It can be frightening and bewildering for your patients when they suffer from a sleep disorder. A sleep disorder can make them feel irritable, exhausted, and alone. Their bed partner could be angry with them as they don’t understand what is happening to their loved one. Their home, work, and social life might suffer. As you have read above, the good news is there are help and treatment available.

The best way forward for patients with a sleep disorder is to seek help from a sleep physician. In the meantime, if you’d like to know more about sleep medicine terms you should know, subscribe to the American Association Sleep Technologist (AAST) blog and download your free copy of the Sleep Technology Terms & Definitions ebook. You’ll discover the latest explanations of key terms used in sleep technology as well as learning about the key concepts you should know. Wk10 Discussion:Treatment of Sleep/Wake Disorders Essay.