[Sleep disorders and their treatment]

Disturbed or inadequate sleep is a frequent complaint, often with a chronic course, requiring adequate treatment. To choose an appropriate therapy it is necessary to develop a useful, reliable valid and specific diagnostic procedure. Primary care physicians can recognize and treat most sleep disorders. For special diagnostic cases sleep centers are recommended. Sleep disorders may be managed by adequate pharmacological as well as nonpharmacological treatments. Besides specific pharmacological interventions, education in sleep/wake hygiene and several psychotherapeutic strategies may be valuable.