Medindia » Consumer Health » Health Information » Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders - Other Drugs

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders

Rating : 4.11 /5   Comments : 2
Rate this Article:

Other Medications

Facebook Twitter StumbleUpon Digg Reddit DeliciusRSS Feeds   Text 

Benzodiazepines. Short-acting benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are often chosen in the early treatment of a circadian rhythm disorder and are used in conjunction with behavioral therapy. Long-term use of these medications is not recommended due to potential side effects, such as the rebound phenomenon (the original problem returns at a higher level), and the risk of developing a dependence on these drugs.

Non-benzodiazepine Hypnotics. These medications, such as Ambien, Sonata and Lunesta, are gaining popularity because they do not have a significant effect on the regular sleep cycle and are not associated with the rebound phenomenon seen with benzodiazepines. Ambien and Sonata are good short-term options for treating sleep problems, while Lunesta, a newer sleep medicine, is approved for long-term use.

Enhancing environmental cues

This is a part of the treatment of circadian rhythm disorders once a regular pattern of sleep-wake cycle has been established. It is also very important to provide as many circadian signals or ‘zeitgebers’ as possible.

Patients are encouraged to keep a dark quiet room during sleep and a well-lit room upon awakening

Lower night time temperatures (8° lower than daytime temperature) darker evening and dark nights, with very bright morning and daytime light are all helpful

Avoid bright light exposure in the evening

Enforce regular mealtimes and other activities
Advertisement

EmailEmail RSS FeedsRSS Feeds Print this pagePrint Save this pageSave LinkLink SyndicateSyndicate
Share it!

Related Links

Melatonin


Melatonin has finally been accepted as effective treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Jetlag as well as sleeplessness in the elderly may ...

Sleep Disorder: Sleepwalking


Sleepwalking or "Somnambulism," is a type of parasomnia and has medico-legal ...

Narcolepsy


Sleep is the blissful state that rejuvenates our mind and body everyday and any deprivation often leads to a disorder that can affect our health ...

Sleep Disorder : Restless Legs Syndrome


Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes - An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the ...

Epworth Sleepiness Scale


Measure your daytime sleepiness using this simple interactive tool, based on Epworth Sleepiness disorder Scale. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a ...

Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Animation


Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses completely blocking the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is treated ...

Insomnia


Difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep is known as insomnia. It is a symptom that occurs due to other disorders and can cause daytime ...

Obstructive Sleep Apnea


Obstructive sleep apnea should be suspected in overweight middle aged adults who snore loudly and which can cause interruption of breathing for 10 ...
Comment & Contribute
Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. Comments are normally moderated and are reviewed after they are posted.
* Your comment can be maximum of 2500 characters

Notify me when reply is posted
I agree to the terms and conditions
  
If you have a question about health related issues, you can now post it in our Ask An Expert section on our community website Medwonders.com and get answers from our panel of experts.
Posted by:  Annycantsleep(Guest)  Posted on: 02/24/2009
I have delayed sleep phase syndrome (fall asleep around 3am)and wonder what jobs others with same problem have as I can no longer do the 9-5 office thing...its killing me! Love to get some ideas about alternate industries...thanks so much!



Posted by:  monsie  Posted on: 12/27/2008
I suffer from macular degeneration. I wonder if light therapy would be beneficial for me. I need to know.
Thanks
monsie




X

Medwonders Health Network

Citing this Health Article
The information on Medindia is factual, unbiased and authentic. If you find the content useful - PLEASE INCLUDE A LINK TO THIS PAGE.

Highlight the text, right-click, and select “copy”. Paste the link into your website, email, or any other HTML document.

Latest News/Research of Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders
 New Drug Improves Sleep Disorder Among the Blind
 Regular Binge Drinking Linked to Insomnia in Older Adults
 Study Finds Workers at Physically Demanding Jobs Tend to Have Unhealthy Sleep Patterns
 Sleep Apnea Ups Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
 Smartphones and Tablets the Main Reason Behind Irregular Sleep Patterns
 Circadian Rhythm Boosts Body's Response to Intestinal Infections
 Poor Sleep may Impact Women Having Heart Disease
 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes or Hypertension Must be Evaluated for Sleep Apnea: American Academy Of Sleep Medicine
 Electronic Stimulation Therapy may Benefit Sleep Apnea Patients
 Consistent Bedtime is Important to Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers
Total News Item 1225