Research Findings for Sleep Disorders: A Literature Update

Abstract

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention long-term sleep difficulties are reported by 50 to 70 million individuals in the U.S. population. These difficulties include a variety of symptoms that effect an individual’s everyday lives including their health, mood, and cognition.  In response to this international issue, mental health professionals and health care facilities have conducted numerous studies to investigate effective ways to treat sleep disorders. Due to the abundance of research and treatment options, it may be difficult for researchers, practitioners, and educators to have a comprehensive understanding of sleep disorders and treatment. The purpose of this review article is to provide a review of the damaging effects, risk factors, and current treatments of sleep disorders. This review includes a brief look of around 130 research studies that discuss the causes and/or effects of maladaptive sleep behavior, as well as the effective treatment methods.  Based on the research reviewed, we conclude that sleep issues are a serious problem that can be treated effectively through a variety of practices, techniques, and medications.