Discussion: Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Sleep/Wake Disorders The power of sleep to heal the body cannot be underestimated. Most research indicates that 7–8 hours of sleep are a minimum that people need to stay healthy. Clients who come to the PMHNP’s office frequently complain of sleep problems. It is estimated that 10–20% of patients report some type of sleeping problem. In this Discussion, you will analyze the diagnostic criteria and evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorders. Goal • Analyze diagnostic criteria for Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorders • Analyze evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorders • Analyze criteria for referring clients to primary care physicians for treatment of Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorders • Compare differential diagnostic features of sleep/wake disorders To prepare for this Discussion: • Review the Learning Resources on Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorder The Assignment: In 2 pages Post: • Explain the diagnostic criteria for Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorder. • Explain the evidenced-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for Circadian Rhythm sleep/wake disorder. • Describe at what point you would refer the client to their primary care physician for an additional referral to a neurologist, pulmonologist, or physician specializing in sleep disorders and explain why. • Support your rationale with references to the Learning Resources or other academic resource. • Use at least 4 resources less than 5 years old to support your paper.
