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Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

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The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
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Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
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Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
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Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
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Integrative Medicine for Insomnia.

Eric S Zhou1, Paula Gardiner2, Suzanne M Bertisch3

  • 1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

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|August 14, 2017
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Insomnia is common, and patients often use sleep medications despite health concerns. This review explores evidence for integrative therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and mind-body practices as safer alternatives for sleep issues.

Keywords:
Alternative therapyComplementary medicineInsomniaIntegrative medicineSleep disorders

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Area of Science:

  • Integrative medicine
  • Sleep science

Background:

  • Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting many individuals.
  • Patients frequently self-medicate with sleep drugs, raising health concerns.
  • Short- and long-term adverse effects of sleep medications necessitate alternative treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence for integrative approaches in treating insomnia.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mind-body therapies for sleep.
  • To explore emerging data on complementary therapies for insomnia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on integrative insomnia treatments.
  • Analysis of evidence for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Examination of data on mind-body therapies (mindfulness, yoga, tai chi), dietary supplements, and acupuncture.

Main Results:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a well-supported integrative approach for insomnia.
  • Mind-body therapies show promise for improving sleep quality.
  • Evidence for dietary supplements and acupuncture in insomnia management is less robust.

Conclusions:

  • Integrative therapies, particularly CBT and mind-body practices, offer evidence-based alternatives to pharmacologic treatments for insomnia.
  • Further research is needed to solidify the role of supplements and acupuncture.
  • A comprehensive approach to insomnia treatment should consider these integrative options.