Treatment of sleep disorders follows diagnosis, naturally, and every case has its own unique challenges in providing relief and remedies to patients. Since an interdisciplinary approach may be required to diagnose and treat sleep disorder issues, more than one medical specialist may ultimately be involved in the diagnosis and treatment plan. Depending upon your root causes, one or more treatment plans may be incorporated for the optimal solution, including, but not necessarily limited to:

• Behavioral therapy through patient education may include proper hygiene, stimulus control (reorienting the mind to consider the bed to be the place for sleep and sexual activity instead of television-watching, internet surfing and text-messaging), and progressive relaxation tools. Our highly distracted, multitasking society must be left outside of the bedroom door.

• CPAP machine and other oral appliances. The acronym stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This device is worn over the patient’s mouth through the night and forces oxygen into the body, and it’s a remedy for sleep apnea.

• Weight loss. Sometimes the loss of weight in a patient will correct sleep issues.

• Medication. Sometimes melatonin helps those who are deficient. Other prescription drugs may be helpful with certain sleep disorders.

• Light therapy, hormone injections and chronotherapy prove useful in some cases where there are circadian rhythm disorders.

• Surgery on upper airways, such as performed by ear nose and throat surgeons for people with obstructive sleep apnea.

• Dental Treatment, such as, the use of a mouth guard for lack of sleep due to teeth grinding or laser therapy to release tongue movement restriction for proper breathing during sleep.