SLEEP DISORDERS - DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMEN T

Disturbed or inadequate sleep is a frequent complaint with a great imp act on daily functions and an often 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 spec ial diagnostic cases sleep centers are recommended. Sleep disorders ma y be managed by adequate pharmacological as well as nonpharmacological treatment. Besides specific pharmacological means, education in sleep /wake physiology and hygiene and several psychotherapeutic strategies may be valuable.