Sleeping disorders refer to abnormal sleeping tendencies that adversely affect health and life quality. Typically, sleeping disorders emanate from underlying illnesses or psychological disturbances. Although they cause drowsiness, lack of sleep, and difficulties getting back to sleep, these trends are not types of sleeping disorders (Roller, 2018). According to recent DSM-5 classification, the most common sleep disorders include Narcolepsy, sleep apnea, nightmare disorder, rapid eye movement (REM), non-rapid eye movement (NREM), sleep related hypoventilation, restless leg syndrome (RLS), hypersomnolence, and circadian rhythm disorder, and (Sateia, 2014).

Concerns on prescription and over-the-counter (OVC) medication

Presently, prescription and over-the-counter drugs are emerging as a quick solution in mitigating the current sleeping disorder crisis. However, much concern has been raised on the side effects resulting from uncontrolled consumption of sleeping aids (Mendelson, 2012). Recent studies note that most sleeping pills (like Tylenol) contain diphenhydramine which causes drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue.  Besides, long-term use of sleeping pills increases incidences of liver, kidney, and heart diseases (Liao et al., 2020).

Linking Insomnia and the menopausal transition

According to Ameratunga et al., (2012).hormonal changes during and after menopause result in irregular sleeping patterns. Some of the anomalies experienced during menopause include hot flashes, restless legs syndrome (RLS), Insomnia, and sleep apnea.  As Proserpio et al. (2020 notes, an eighth of the adult population in the United States suffers from Insomnia, with over 60 percent being women within the menopausal age bracket.

Safety concerns regarding the use of benzodiazepines in addressing sleeping issues

Unlike previous medications, benzodiazepines emerge as a much safer and practical remedy for sleeping issues and anxiety disorders (Hirschtritt et al., 2021). However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other public health organizations have cautioned on the risks of addiction, cognitive impairment, and withdrawal symptoms emanating from prolonged use of benzodiazepines.

Assessing, diagnosing and treating Insomnia

Diagnosing Insomnia relies on critical analysis regarding family history, sleep patterns, life situations, and patient daily schedule/routine.  These factors determine the best-suited treatment approaches and procedures. Quite often, treating Insomnia involves psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), lifestyle changes, and medication (Roller, 2018). 

Reference

Ameratunga, D., Goldin, J., & Hickey, M. (2012). Sleep disturbance in menopause. Internal medicine journal, 42(7), 742-747.

Hirschtritt, M. E., Olfson, M., & Kroenke, K. (2021). Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Benzodiazepines. Jama, 325(4), 347-348.

Liao, C. Y., Chung, C. H., Lu, K. C., Cheng, C. Y., Yang, S. S., Chien, W. C., & Wu, C. C. (2020). Taking sleeping pills and the risk of chronic kidney disease: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 2083.

Mendelson, W. B. (2012). The use and misuse of sleeping pills: A clinical guide. Springer Science & Business Media.

Proserpio, P., Marra, S., Campana, C., Agostoni, E. C., Palagini, L., Nobili, L., & Nappi, R. E. (2020). Insomnia and menopause: a narrative review on mechanisms and treatments. Climacteric, 23(6), 539-549.

Roller, L. (2018). Disease state management: Sleeping disorders: Insomnia. AJP: The Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 99(1171), 60.

Sateia, M. J. (2014). International classification of sleep disorders. Chest, 146(5), 1387-1394.