As a child’s brain develops, their sleep patterns also undergo significant changes. Sleep is regulated by the circadian rhythm, which controls cycles of sleep and wakefulness. Both the architecture of sleep and the amount of sleep needed vary throughout development. Infants typically need 14-17 hours, school-aged children need 9-12 hours, and teenagers need 8-10 hours […]
Tag Archives: Insomnia
Perchance to Sleep: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia 10/15/2020
One of the primary presenting complaints in the primary care setting is insomnia. It can be a solitary presenting symptom or it can be part of a constellation of symptoms related to a medical cause or mood or anxiety disorder. A good assessment of onset, extent, duration, onset, severity, triggers of the sleep problem, in […]
Assessing and Treating Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Dementia (part 2): Treatment
There are non-pharmacological and pharmacological options to treat sleep disturbance in patients with dementia. Non-pharmacological approaches include: light therapy, regular exercise, and behavioral treatment/sleep hygiene. In general, evening bright light treatment is helpful for sleep maintenance problems and morning light exposure is helpful for patients whose sleep is phase-delayed or who are suffering from a […]
Assessing and Treating Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Dementia (part 1): Assessment
Sleep disturbance, including reduced sleep time, fragmented sleep, nighttime wandering, increased sleep latency, and daytime sleepiness and fatigue, are common concerns related to dementia. It is estimated that 1/3 of patients with Alzheimer’s dementia suffer from a sleep disturbance. The goal of this article is to review treatment options for sleep disturbance in patients with […]
Insomnia: Assessment and Treatment in Primary Care (Part Two of Two)
When efforts to change sleep hygiene profiles prove unsuccessful and other contributing conditions have been examined and ruled out, use of a medication may be appropriate. Both prescribed and over-the-counter options are available and choice can be based on patient preference, clinical symptoms and need for short-term versus long-term treatment. Prescription Meds: In general the […]
Insomnia: Assessment and Treatment in Adults (Part I)
Insomnia is a frequent complaint of patients in both the medical and psychiatric settings. Nearly 30% of adult will have issues with trouble falling or staying asleep at some point, however most of these issues are generally time limited and not impairing. For others, it is a very troubling issue. Insomnia Defined: ―trouble with either […]