SOMNIPATHIES - NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Somnipathies are a frequent symptom seen by general practitioners. Man y of them require treatment, particularly those of a chronic nature si nce they have a major impact on the daily well-being of the patient. C areful diagnosis is a prerequisite for successful therapy and includes identifying the type of somnipathy, its duration (acute or chronic) a nd its cause. The first step is to exclude all cases that can be treat ed causally. Many of the diagnostic procedures can be done in the cons ulting room, although in special cases a more extensive analysis in th e sleep laboratory is necessary. In the case of severe chronic insomni a without a known treatable cause, treatment is usually done symptomat ically with hypnotics. In addition to specific pharmacotherapies, toda y there are various non-drug treatments for light somnipathies, includ ing thorough examination, sleep hygiene consultation and psychotherapy .