Insomnia: Sleep Disorder, Case Study Example

The patient in question could be experiencing insomnia as a result of a number of factors, such as excessive caffeine intake during the daytime hours, as well as her efforts with over the counter sleep aids. In addition, she does not sleep well during the week, and catching up on her sleep on the weekends may be troublesome. TV watching in the evening hours to fall asleep may also be a contributor to her insomniac state, as well as the general stress that her job creates in her life. As a result, it is important for the diagnosis to be clear and concise so that it will provide the best possible outcomes to improve her overall wellbeing and sleep habits.

Based upon these conditions, it is important to rule out any preexisting conditions or other factors which may be contributing to her insomnia problem. This requires the patient to undergo blood testing to determine if her basic levels are consistent with normal values. Furthermore, the patient’s medical history must be examined closely in order to determine if pharmacological interventions are appropriate in this case. At the same time, an evaluation of possible non-pharmacologic interventions must be considered in order to ensure that the patient’s insomnia is treated as effectively as possible.

Some of the hallmark factors to consider when developing a treatment plan for this patient are to recognize her risk factors, as well as other influences which may debilitate the patient’s sleep habits over time. It is important to demonstrate an effective approach to managing the patient’s care and treatment to ensure that the insomnia problem is resolved. For some patients, a pharmacological intervention is required, but in other cases, it is likely that cognitive behavioral therapies are the most feasible option (Mayo Clinic). It is important to provide the patient with as much information as possible regarding her condition, to discuss possible cognitive behavioral therapies, and to determine if additional pharmacological interventions are required (Mayo Clinic).

Many experts possess a high regard for cognitive behavioral therapy due to its overall lower cost and effectiveness for many patients (Kritz, 2008). These findings suggest that it is necessary to determine if the patient in question will benefit from this type of therapy, given her current state. In contrast, both Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics (i.e. Lunesta, Ambien) and Benzodiazepine Hypnotics (i.e. Klonopin, Xanax) are used for many patients to treat the symptoms of insomnia effectively (New York Times, 2012). However, these medications are not only expensive, but they may become highly addictive if extra caution is not taken: “Sedative hypnotics carry risks for withdrawal, dependency, and rebound insomnia. The chance of risk for these problems varies among different drugs” (New York Times, 2012). Therefore, these drugs should be used very carefully and under the watchful eye of a physician to alleviate as many side effects as possible (New York Times, 2012).

The patient example is best suited for a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention, which will enable her to experience a more lasting and permanent solution to her insomnia problem, without the use of pharmacological drugs. Since sleep medications carry dangerous risks, including phenomena known as sleep walking and sleep driving, it is important for the patient to receive a different form of therapy that is proven more safe and effective than the standard pharmacological treatment protocol (Cline, 2008). The patient will not only receive treatment for her symptoms, but also will be treated for the insomnia and its underlying causes, which will be highly beneficial in her long-term recovery (Cline, 2008). Different techniques should be explored which capture cognitive behaviors and why they occur, and should emphasize the positive aspects of sleeping rather than the negative ones (Cline, 2008). This practice will ensure that the patient possesses all possible opportunities to fully recover from this complex problem, and to improve her overall health and wellbeing in the process.

References

Cline, J. (2008). Cognitive behavioral therapy of insomnia. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sleepless-in-america/200808/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-insomnia

Kritz, F.L. (2008). Counting sheep but no sleep? Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/2008/nov/03/health/he-sleep3

Mayo Clinic (2012). Insomnia treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy instead of sleeping                     pills. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/insomnia-treatment/SL00013

New York Times (2012). Insomnia: medications. Retrieved from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/primary-insomnia/medications.html