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PubMed1990

Sleep disorders in psychiatric practice.

Sleep disorders medicine and psychiatry interface in numerous ways. Most psychiatric patients have a complaint about sleep, and regardless of the theoretical orientation of a psychiatrist, understanding of a patient's sleep function is an important part of assessment. The success or failure of treatment will be strongly influenced by the effect of that treatment on the patient's sleep disorder. The psychiatrist can provide expertise in treating patients with primary sleep disorders, offering pharmacologic consultations, and recommending psychotherapy or behavioral management. Conversely, a knowledge of primary sleep disorders should make the psychiatrist a more effective practitioner.

Humans↗

PubMed1990

Insomnia.

Because sleep needs vary from person to person, insomnia is defined as the chronic inability to obtain the amount of sleep needed for optimal functioning and well-being. Insomnia, which is a symptom rather than a disease, can be classified into three main etiologic groups: insomnias related to other mental disorders (for example, depression and anxiety), insomnias related to known organic factors (for example, sleep apnea and "nonrestorative" sleep), and primary insomnia (for example, learned psychophysiologic insomnias and insomnia complaints without objective findings). The treatment for insomnia often involves a combination of pharmacotherapy, behavioral and short-term psychotherapy, and sleep hygiene guidelines. Sleep disorders centers can provide specialized knowledge and techniques for patients with severe chronic insomnia.

Circadian Rhythm↗