Sleep Medicine

Sleep medicine is a medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of

sleep disturbances,

and disorders. Over 100 different disorders of sleeping and

waking

have been identified, grouped in four main categories: problems with falling and staying asleep (

insomnia

); problems with staying awake (excessive daytime sleepiness); problems with keeping to a regular sleep schedule (sleep rhythm problem); and unusual behaviours during sleep (sleep-disruptive behaviours, e.g.

sleep walking

). Treatment will vary and depend on the specific sleep disorder but range from treatment by a Respiratory or Doctor with medicines to

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

,

sleep hygiene

and sleep routines and relaxation,

meditation

and exercise.