Articles related to INSOMNIA/SLEEP DISORDERS

Insomnia is often underrecognized and undertreated in primary care settings. A panel of experts convened by Haymarket Medical Education emphasizes the importance of considering comorbid medical and psychiatric illnesses in patients with insomnia and recommends proactive screening and personalized treatment strategies. As a psychiatrist, neurologist, or other sleep disorder professional, you may often be on the front lines of managing insomnia, a condition that is increasingly prevalent yet remains underrecognized in primary care settings. A recent report by a panel of experts provides crucial insights and recommendations to enhance our approach to this pervasive sleep disorder:

The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of Adderall, a medication used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD)/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The FDA, in frequent communication with manufacturers, has not provided a clear timeline for when the shortage will be resolved. The shortage is attributed to various factors. The demand for Adderall has increased significantly, with a 10% rise in prescriptions filled in 2021 compared to the previous year. The US Drug Enforcement Agency’s efforts to combat prescription drug misuse have also played a role in limiting production. Furthermore, the pandemic led to the emergence of telemedicine startups, making it easier for individuals to obtain Adderall prescriptions, sometimes inaccurately. While waiting for the supply to be restored, healthcare professionals can consider alternative therapies such as dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, and dextroamphetamine.

According to surveys, up to 40% of cancer patients in the United States use cannabis, yet only one-third of doctors are comfortable advising them on it. Now, a small but significant study has found that cancer patients who use cannabis to treat their symptoms had reduced pain, better sleep, and an unexpected benefit: they appear to think more clearly after a few weeks of consistent use. The study, published in the journal Exploration in Medicine, is one of the first to look at how cannabis purchased via dispensaries, rather than government-supplied or synthetic kinds, affects cancer symptoms or chemotherapy side effects. It also sheds light on the large range of drugs used by cancer patients now that marijuana is legal in the majority of states.

The underlying reason for dry mouth can affect how to prevent it while sleeping. Water consumption, good oral hygiene, and avoiding acidic beverages and alcohol before night can all be beneficial. Other preventative strategies include utilizing nasal strips or a humidifier while sleeping. However, if your patients experience prolonged dry mouth, they should see a doctor. They can ascertain if any prescription drugs or pre-existing medical issues might be contributing to the symptoms.

Frequent use of prescription meds for sleep carries an increased risk for dementia in White older adults compared with those who rarely or never used them, as described in the January issue of Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study found no increased risk for dementia for those who took sleep medications “sometimes.”

Disordered breathing in sleep affects about 12% of children and can affect cognitive function, behavior, and cardiovascular health. What’s the current recommendation for first-line therapy and how does it stack up versus emerging research?