Lecture 19: Sleeping Disorders Flashcards
What are the two physiologic states of sleep?
- NREM sleep: stages 1-4.
- REM sleep: High levels of brain activity
In what phase do dreams happen?
REM sleep
When does NREM sleep occur?
The beginning of our sleep, with each stage lasting 5-15 minutes.
How does our sleep generally cycle?
How does NREM sleep present physiologically?
Marked decreases in most physiologic functions, such as pulse, respirations, BP, and rarely any penile erections.
People are generally peaceful compared to their waking state.
How does stage 1 of NREM sleep present?
- Minor decrease in activity
- EASILY AWAKENED
- Hypnic myoclonia - feeling of falling
How does stage 2 of NREM sleep present?
- Light sleep
- Periods of muscle tone and then relaxation
How does stage 3-4 of NREM sleep present?
Often called delta wave sleep.
- Time of mending for repairing and regeneration.
- Strengthening of the immune system.
- Deeper levels of mental functioning.
- Typical period for enuresis, somnambulance, and night terrors.
If someone is awoken from stage 3/4 NREM sleep, how are they likely to present?
- Disoriented.
- Amnesia of the waking event.
Constantly waking during this stage may cause immunodeficient conditions.
What frequency is a delta wave?
1-4 Hz.
Extremely slow.
What are the 2 big differences between REM and NREM sleep?
- REM sleep involves INCREASED physiologic activity, such as BP, HR, and RR.
Spontaneous penile erection is common.
Near-total paralysis of skeletal muscles - Most distinctive feature: dreaming (but usually don’t remember)
How does REM typically occur phase-wise?
Phases occur every 90-100 minutes.
First REM is usually < 10 mins
Later REMs are 15-40 mins
The last third of the night has the most REM periods.
Stage 4 is inversely related to REM sleep.
Describe how Stage 4 sleep is related to REM sleep.
Inversely proportional.
You begin with more stage 4 sleep and less REM sleep.
As the night goes on, you have more REM sleep than stage 4 sleep.
What is the general effect of low serotonin levels on sleep?
Less serotonin => less sleep
What is the general effect of more NE on sleep?
More NE => less sleep
What is the general effect of more melatonin on sleep?
More melatonin => more sleep
What is the general effect of increased dopamine on sleep?
More dopamine => less sleep
How does our REM sleep change as we get older?
We need it less and less, beginning at 50% as an infant and down to 20% as a senior.
Seniors require very little REM sleep.
When does REM sleep stabilize in terms of age?
At 10 years old, it generally stays at 25% until 65.
How does a typical young adult’s sleep pattern present?
- Regular cycling between stages 1-4.
- Prolonged stage 4 earlier in sleep.
- REM lengthens as night goes on.
How does a typical elderly adult’s sleep pattern present?
- Decreased/absent stage 3-4
- Easily awakened from sleep
- Less regular cycles
- Overall increased daytime fatigue and napping
- Overall DECREASED sleep quality
What is the most common abnormal sleep pattern in depressed patients?
Insomnia
What are the 3 abnormal sleep patterns seen in depressed patients?
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia
- Increased wakefulness
Why is sleeping in depressed patients impaired?
- Reduced sleep efficiency
- Increased sleep onset latency
- Reduced REM latency
What is the diagnostic criteria for insomnia?
1+ of the following for 1 month:
* Difficulty initiating/maintaining sleep
* Nonrestorative or poor quality sleep
* Early morning awakening
Symptoms occur DESPITE adequate opportunity/circumstances for sleep
Impaired sleep producing daytime function deficits
What are the two types of insomnia?
- Primary insomnia: idiopathic (20%)
- Secondary/comorbid insomnia: Secondary to another condition.
What are the 3 duration types of insomnia?
- Transient insomnia: < 7 days
- Acute insomnia: < 30 days
- Chronic insomnia: > 30 days
How does alcohol abuse affect sleep?
- Increased stage 1
- Decreased REM
How does alcohol withdrawal affect sleep?
- Delayed sleep onset
- Intermittent awakening
What substances tend to affect sleep?
- Alcohol
- Smoking (> 1 ppd)
- Excess stimulant intake
- Sedative withdrawal
How do we treat secondary insomnia pharmacologically?
Treat underlying cause.
Consider TCAs or anxiolytics for SE of somnolence (but careful of abuse potential)
How do we treat insomnia non-pharmacologically?
- Relaxation techniques
- Meditation
- CBT
- Regular Exercise
- Sleep Hygiene
How do we improve sleep hygiene?
- Cut down on excess time in bed
- Establish a consistent schedule
- Make bedroom comfortable/dark
- Relax before bedtime
What is the first-line treatment for insomnia?
CBT
What are the pharmacologic options for insomnia?
- OTC 1st gen antihistamines (Diphenhydramine/doxylamine)
- Benzo receptor agonists (Zaleplon/Sonata, Zolpidem/Ambien, Eszopiclone/Lunesta)
- Melatonin agonists (Ramelteon/Rozerem, Melatonin OTC)
- Benzos (Temazepam/restoril, Flurazepam/Dalmane)
- Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (Newest class of drugs)
- Antidepressants (Doxepin/TCA, Trazodone, Mirtazapine/remeron)
Doxylamine preferred in pregnancy?
What is the concern with using benadryl for insomnia?
Loses efficacy overtime.
What is the concern with melatonin OTC?
- Unknown/inconsistent dosing
- Not FDA regulated
Advised to stick with one brand if it works.
What is the primary medication to AVOID with treating an obese insomniac?
Mirtazapine/Remeron