scholarly journals Sleep disorders in psychiatry

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Selsick ◽  
David O'Regan

SUMMARYSleep medicine is a truly multidisciplinary field that covers psychiatric, neurological and respiratory conditions. As the field has developed it has become increasingly clear that there is a great deal of overlap between sleep and psychiatric disorders and it is therefore essential for psychiatrists to have some knowledge of sleep medicine. Even those disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, that may seem to be outside the remit of psychiatry can have complex and important interactions with psychiatric conditions. In this article we give a brief overview of the range of sleep disorders a psychiatrist might encounter, how they are recognised, investigated and treated, and how they relate to psychiatric conditions.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Be aware of the range of sleep disorders that might be encountered in psychiatric practice•Understand how these sleep disorders affect mental health•Have a broad understanding of how these disorders are investigated and treatedDECLARATION OF INTERESTH.S. has accepted speaker fees from Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Stores

Sleep disorders are relevant to psychiatric practice in a number of ways, including the possibility that they may be misdiagnosed as fundamentally psychiatric conditions in patients of all ages. This risk exists in a wide range of collectively very common sleep disorders which need to be considered in explaining insomnia, excessive sleepiness or disturbed episodes of behaviour associated with sleep (parasomnias). Examples given include circadian sleep–wake cycle disorders (such as the delayed sleep phase syndrome), obstructive sleep apnoea, narcolepsy, Kleine–Levin syndrome, sleep paralysis and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder. Failure to recognise and treat such disorders is likely to cause and perpetuate psychological problems. Correct recognition requires familiarity with the range and manifestations of sleep disorders.


Sleep is one of the key underpinnings of human health, yet sleep disturbances and impaired sleep are rampant in modern life. Healthy sleep is a whole-body process impacted by circadian rhythm, daily activities, and emotional well-being, among others. When properly aligned, these work in concert to produce restorative and refreshing sleep. When not in balance, however, sleep disorders result. Yet too often, the approach to treatment of sleep disorders is compartmentalized, failing to recognize all of the complex interactions that are involved. This text offers a comprehensive approach to sleep and sleep disorders by delineating the many factors that interplay into healthy sleep. Health care providers can learn how to better manage their patients with sleep disorders by integrating complementary and conventional approaches. Using an evidence-based approach throughout, this book describes the basics of normal sleep then delves into the foundations of integrative sleep medicine, including the circadian rhythm, mind/body-sleep connection, light, dreaming, the gastrointestinal system, and botanicals/supplements. Specific sleep issues and disorders are then addressed from an integrative perspective, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep related movement disorders, and parasomnias.


Breathe ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e84-e93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Sethukumar ◽  
Bhik Kotecha

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the gold standard treatment of choice in patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), surgery has been established as a means to improve compliance and facilitate the use of CPAP, both of which are potential pitfalls in the efficacy of this treatment modality. In a minority of cases, with obvious oropharyngeal anatomical obstruction, corrective surgery may completely alleviate the need for CPAP treatment. In this review, we summarise clinical assessment, surgical options, discuss potential new treatments, and outline the importance of investigating and addressing the multiple anatomical levels that can contribute to OSA. Research into effectiveness of these procedures is rapidly accumulating, and surgery can be an effective treatment. However, given the myriad of options available and multiple levels of anatomical pathology that can present, it is imperative that correctly selected patients are matched with the most appropriate treatment for the best outcomes.Key pointsOSA is an increasingly prevalent disorder which has significant systemic effects if left untreated.Anatomical abnormalities can be corrected surgically to good effect with a growing and robust evidence base.Drug-induced sleep endoscopy is a key tool in the otolaryngologist's armamentarium to tailor specific surgery to address specific anatomical concerns, and to facilitate appropriate patient selection.Multilevel surgical approaches are often indicated instead of a “one size fits all” model.Educational aimsTo discuss how to assess patients presenting with OSA in clinic, from an otorhinolaryngology perspective.To discuss the indications for intervention.To provide an overview of nonsurgical interventions for treating OSA, with evidence.To discuss the different surgical modalities available for treatment of OSA, with evidence.


Breathe ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 29364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia E. Schiza ◽  
Izolde Bouloukaki

Professional drivers show a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) compared with the general population. Furthermore, there is concern about the association between OSA and car crash risk given that drivers with OSA show an increased risk for car accidents. Despite this risk, OSA is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in this population, mainly due to lack of appropriate screening and sleep study referrals. Polysomnography (PSG), the gold standard test, is inappropriate for systematic screening because of its high expense, complexity and relative inaccessibility in this population. Therefore, there is a strong demand for good screening tools, including both subjective and objective data that may assist in early identification of possible OSA among professional drivers and, thus, aid in PSG examination referral and OSA management in an accredited sleep centre. However, there is considerable disagreement over screening methods and criteria for triggering a sleep study referral in different countries. There is also a strong need for further research in the area of OSA screening of commercial drivers in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of screening tools and ensure that patients with OSA are accurately identified.Key pointsObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is often undiagnosed and undertreated in professional drivers.Professional drivers often under-report and are reluctant to report OSA symptoms.Barriers to OSA diagnosis include appropriate screening and sleep study referrals.Screening tools including both subjective and objective data may assist in early identification of possible OSA among professional drivers.Educational aimsTo evaluate screening instruments currently used to identify OSA risk in professional drivers.To provide guidance for developing an assessment strategy for OSA by professional driver medical examiners.


Author(s):  
Paul Reading

Despite major advances in our understanding of its neurobiology, sleep remains an enigma. Its true function and even the amount needed for optimum brain performance remain uncertain (Frank 2006). However, the need to sleep is imperative, reflecting the fact that sleepiness, like hunger and thirst, is a true drive state. Sleepiness can only be satiated by sleep itself. Moreover, severely disordered sleep can profoundly affect cognition, mental health, and physical well-being.Although sleep medicine has a traditionally low profile in neurology teaching and practice, sleep-related phenomena are frequently associated with numerous neurological disorders. Conversely, sleep problems can adversely affect familiar conditions such as headache and epilepsy. Furthermore, in large surveys, sleep-related symptoms are undoubtedly common with 25 per cent of the population reporting problems that significantly and regularly impact on daily activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-218
Author(s):  
Wacław Dyrda ◽  
Daria Smułek ◽  
Adam Wichniak ◽  

Until 2010, modafinil, which is a wakefulness promoting agent, was approved in Europe for a wider spectrum of indications, such as narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea and shift work sleep disorder. Currently, it is registered by the European Medicines Agency only for the treatment of narcolepsy, and is used as an off-label therapy in other sleep disorders. This paper presents the efficacy of modafinil in selected sleep disorders. Modafinil remains first-choice treatment for narcolepsy. It reduces the frequency of bouts of inadvertent sleep and nap episodes, the duration and intensity of daytime hypersomnolence, and also significantly improves the quality of life of patients. However, it is associated with only a slight improvement in cataplexy and other symptoms. In idiopathic hypersomnia, modafinil reduces the frequency of naps and unintentional sleep episodes, as well as subjective sleepiness measured with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Furthermore, the drug is used to treat hypersomnia from obstructive sleep apnoea in the case of lack of improvement despite optimal positive airway pressure therapy. Modafinil is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of shift work sleep disorder. The drug has been shown to reduce the level of somnolence, but it has not been found to reduce unintentional sleep episodes, reported mistakes or accidents at work. Given the strong negative impact of hypersomnolence on performance at work and school, the risk of accidents and the quality of life, the risk-benefit assessment of modafinil often justifies its use in the treatment of hypersomnolence also outside the approved indications.


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A364-A364
Author(s):  
N Thakkar ◽  
R Trivedi ◽  
P Greenberg ◽  
M Ramagopal

Abstract Introduction In 2017, 13.3% of US adolescents aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode (NIMH, 2019). The risk of depression is higher in children with sleep apnea, and children with depression or anxiety have a 1.2-1.8 times higher rate of asthma related ED visits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression symptoms in children with chronic disorders. We hypothesized that subjects with sleep disorders would have a higher prevalence of positive depression scores than subjects with respiratory disease, and that the prevalence would be highest in subjects with both conditions. Methods The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered to children between the ages of 12 and 18 to screen for depression as part of a pulmonary or sleep clinic visit. Each patient’s PHQ-9 results were scored as normal, mild, moderate, or severe for levels of depression severity. Additionally, a chart review was conducted to gather their demographic and clinical data. Results Of a total of 87 subjects,71 (81.6%) had a respiratory disorder and 40 (46.0%) subjects had a sleep disorder. Due to the amount of overlap of respiratory and sleep disorders amongst the subjects, depression severity rather than chronic disease was chosen as the primary outcome. Using multiple linear regression, when all other factors were held constant, the average depression score increased by 5.0 when patients had a combination of asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (p-value = 0.02) and also increased by 2.4 for subjects who were female (p-value = 0.01). Conclusion It is important to identify depression in children with chronic illness, as it can lead to higher healthcare utilization. Additionally, as mental health status may significantly impact health outcomes for patients with chronic disease, it would be beneficial to evaluate mental health in all pediatric patients with chronic disease. However, further research is needed to investigate these associations. Support None


SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A452-A452
Author(s):  
S L Jobe ◽  
J S Albrecht ◽  
S M Scharf ◽  
A M Johnson ◽  
S Parthasarathy ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Despite a growing literature regarding the impact of board-certification in sleep medicine, little is known about the complexity of patients seen by board-certified sleep medicine physicians (BCSMPs) relative to non-specialists. To address this gap, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the differences in sleep complaints among Medicare beneficiaries seen by BCSMPs relative to individuals seen by non-specialists. Methods Our data source was a random 5% sample of Medicare administrative claims data from 2006-2013. Sleep disorders were operationalized using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Descriptive analyses were performed to estimate the number of sleep disorder diagnoses patients received by provider status. BCSMPs were identified using a cross-matching procedure based on National Provider Identifier (NPI). Results A total of 57,209 Medicare beneficiaries received a sleep disorder diagnosis between 2006-2013. Of these, only 2.2% were seen by BCSMPs. Relative to beneficiaries seen by non-specialists, those seen by BCSMPs were more likely to be diagnosed with more than one sleep disorder (p<0.001). Specifically, 91.0% of individuals seen by non-specialists received only one sleep disorder diagnosis, whereas 75.9% of individuals seen by BCSMPs received only one sleep disorder diagnosis. Among beneficiaries seen by non-specialists, the most common sleep disorders were insomnia (48.2%; n=26,967), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; 31.4%; n=17,554), and restless legs syndrome (8.7%; n=4,871). Among those seen by BCSMPs, the most common sleep disorders were OSA, (70.4%; n=901), sleep apnea with hypersomnia (16.5%; n=211), and insomnia (11.7%; n=150). Conclusion BCSMPs see more complex sleep patients than do non-specialists. These results suggest the possibility that more complex patients are referred for sleep specialty care. Further, these results demonstrate the value of board certification in sleep medicine in caring for complex sleep patients. Support This research was supported by an AASM Strategic Research Award from the AASM Foundation to the University of Maryland, Baltimore (PI: EMW).


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