INSOMNIA

The treatment is related to the cause, if the cause can be determined. If there is an obvious physical or psychological disorder causing insomnia, it should be treated. Depression is a very common cause of insomnia and can usually be treated with medication, cognitive/behavioral therapy, or interpersonal therapy. Attempts to control environmental and lifestyle factors such as too much light, noise, caffeine or other stimulants or erratic hours of wakefulness should be made. Sleeping drugs should be used only when prescribed by a health care provider.

HYPERSOMNIA

Sleep apnea is treated with weight reduction and the administration of air under pressure through the nose. Occasionally, surgery or other measures may be needed.

Narcolepsy is treated by use of stimulating medications during the daytime. A new medication called modafanil seems to have fewer side effects than traditional stimulants; it is FDA-approved for narcolepsy and may soon be approved for shift work sleep disorder.

Restless leg syndrome is treated by treating the underlying disorder and with opiate or dopaminergic agonists.

PARASOMNIA

Night terrors are treated with hypnosis, guided imagery techniques and benzodiazepines, but safety measures may be needed to prevent people from harm during nighttime walking.

Sleep disorder clinics often are able to help people restore normal sleeping patterns through various techniques.