The Answered Patient: Treating Sleep Disorders

Living with a sleep disorder can be difficult. Long hours at work, family obligations, and the demands of our '24/7' culture can take their toll. But relief is available.

In this episode of "Say Ahh!" we'll tell you about the latest treatment options for sleep disorders, including:

• Healthy habits
• Medications
• Medical devices

Sleep experts recommend that adults get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night. But statistics show that most Americans average less than that. A prolonged lack of sleep increases the risk of developing life-long health problems, or being involved in serious accidents.

Making simple lifestyle changes is often the first step doctors recommend for people living with a sleep disorder. For example, going to bed and getting up at a set time will help your body establish a consistent sleep pattern. The foods you eat can also impact your sleep: too much food just before bedtime can lead to indigestion, while too much liquid may force you to wake up to use the bathroom. And caffeine and nicotine are both stimulants that can make it hard to fall asleep.

When healthy habits alone aren't enough to curb a sleep disorder, doctors sometimes recommend medication. Drug treatments are generally directed toward a specific type of sleep disorder. The most common, by far, is insomnia, which accounts for more than 80% of all sleep disorder cases. One of the newest and most popular treatments for insomnia is a class of drugs known as nonbenzodiazepines, which work by depressing the central nervous system. Since they can become addictive if taken for extended periods of time, these drugs are typically prescribed for short-term use.

There are also several over-the-counter products available to treat sleep disorders, including certain antihistamines that act as sedatives. But sleep specialists recommend these treatments only for occasional sleep disturbances, and don't advise taking them for chronic sleep problems.

In some cases of sleep apnea, a device known as a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP, is worn by a patient at night to help keep airways open and allow uninterrupted sleep.

Experts stress that getting enough sleep, just like eating right and exercising, is essential for maintaining good health. The smart choices we make both during the day and at bedtime can have a significant impact on how well -- and how long -- we sleep.

For more information, click the links below:

• Insomnia: How to Get a Good Night's Sleep
• Sleep Changes in Older Adults
• CPAP Devices for Sleep Apnea

• Print Article

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