Sleep Health and Sleep Disorders

This chapter reviews the architecture and functions of sleep, how to interview patients on their sleep histories, how to evaluate for sleep disorders, commonly encountered sleep disorders and their pathophysiology, and the conventional and integrative therapies for each. The evaluation process includes a conventional sleep study as well as addressing vitamin D, B, and magnesium status. Sleep disorders discussed in this chapter are obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, rapid-eye-movement behavior disorder, circadian rhythm disorders, and narcolepsy and other central hypersomnias. The role of conventional tools and times when alternative and complementary therapies may be considered are discussed in detail. Treatment covered include continuous positive airway pressure, oral appliance, myofunctional therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, physical modalities, acupuncture, light therapy, melatonin, nutraceuticals, and other supplements that aid with sleep and daytime symptoms.