Treatment of Sleep Disorders
There are a wide variety of sleep disorders of many potential causes, and as such there are many potential treatments specific to each disorder. In general, these fall into two broad categories: non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Non-pharmacological treatments include all of the various options that do not involve the use of prescription or non-prescription drugs. The use of surgery, behavioral therapy, medical equipment, or other options may be employed.
Surgery may be used to correct defects in the upper airway that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea. Such surgical options may include: tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, jaw surgery, or uvulopharyngoplasty (UPPP).
Although sleep is a natural body process, there is an element of behavior to it. As such, therapies meant to influence the behaviors associated with sleep can be effective. These may include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive therapy, relaxation techniques, and stimulus control. Behavioral therapy may be useful in treating insomnia, parasomnias, bedwetting, and other sleep problems.
In addition, other behavior changes may be employed without the need for formal therapy. For example, basic guidelines to improve sleep habits -- which is sometimes called sleep hygiene -- can be very effective. For those who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness, as may occur in narcolepsy, scheduled daily naps may be helpful. In those who have insomnia, suffering through restless or fitful sleep, sleep restriction can be useful. This involves limiting the amount of time spent sleeping so that the desire to sleep is stronger and the restlessness is reduced. In restless legs syndrome, stretching exercises may help relieve the symptoms.
There are a number of different durable medical equipment options, which refers to any device that is used repeatedly for treatment of a medical condition. One of the most distinctive of these options may be continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of sleep apnea. Another related treatment is bilevel -- or BiPAP -- which provides two alternating pressures, one with inhalation and one with exhalation. In addition, dentists may provide mandibular advancement devices for sleep apnea treatment. In individuals suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or circadian rhythm disorders, light box therapy may be used.
Finally, there are a few other random non-pharmacological treatment options for sleep disorders. These might include nasal strips for snoring (of questionable benefit), positional therapy for sleep apnea that occurs only when an individual sleeps on his or her back, and playing didgeridoo to strengthen the upper airway as an alternative to CPAP.
