Approach to Common Sleep Disorders

Abstract

Sleep disorders are highly relevant in clinical practice given their prevalence as well as their impact on health outcomes and quality of life. The most common concerns are excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, disordered breathing, and abnormal movements or behaviors during sleep. A detailed but targeted history is vital, particularly from the sleep partner/witness. In-laboratory sleep testing (polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test) remains vital in the diagnosis of certain sleep disorders (such as sleep-disordered breathing and central hypersomnia) and in specific populations (such as in children and individuals with comorbid medical disorders). Advances in technology have allowed for a variety of methods in assessing a patient's sleep, from compact devices to evaluate for sleep apnea, wrist actigraphy, and mobile device-based applications. As the pathophysiology of various sleep disorders becomes better elucidated, disease-specific medications have been developed for these conditions. Nonetheless, a multidisciplinary approach to management is necessary, including improving sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Observation on the Efficacy of Acupuncture for Cognitive Function in Patients with Primary Insomnia

“…Patients that met all of the following inclusion criteria were enrolled: (1)The diagnostic criteria of primary insomnia were referred to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine International Classification of Sleep Disorders [6] (3rd edition). ( 2) referred to the Diagnostic Efficacy Criteria of TCM Diseases and Syndromes [7] issued by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.…”

“…Primary insomnia refers to insomnia caused by excluding drug abuse, mental disorders and other diseases. The clinical manifestations are difficulty in falling asleep, shallow sleep or short sleep frequency, early awakening etc., with the characteristics of recurrent and chronic persistence [1] . Some studies have found that [2,3] with the aggravation of insomnia, patients with insomnia may have a decline in cognitive function such as attention, memory and comprehension, and even increase the risk of dementia or depression.…”