Managing sleep disturbances that are secondary to mental, medical, or substance abuse disorders should focus on addressing the underlying conditions.

Among the elderly, the risk of developing sleep-disordered breathing, periodic limb movements, restless legs syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorders, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disturbances is especially high.

The results indicate that individuals who have experienced a TBI are most disproportionately at risk for developing narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia.

[13][12] Moreover, RBD has been identified as a significant precursor for the future development of these neurodegenerative diseases over several years, presenting a promising opportunity for improving treatments.

[11][12] Neurodegenerative conditions are commonly related to structural brain impairments, which may disrupt sleep and wakefulness, circadian rhythm, and motor or non-motor functioning.

[12][16] The limited research in this area, coupled with increasing life expectancy, highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the relationship between sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

[17] Poor sleep onset in AD has been associated with dream-related hallucinations, increased restlessness, wandering, and agitation related to sundowning—a typical chronobiological phenomenon in the disease.

[19][18][21] Thus, during wakefulness, the beta-amyloid burden is greater because metabolic activity and oxidative stress are higher, and there is no protein degradation by glymphatic clearance.

[19] However, recent studies have shown that several factors can interrupt neurogenesis,[19] including stress and prolonged sleep deprivation (more than one day).

Studies have suggested that 23-78% of individuals with bipolar disorders consistently report symptoms of excessive time spent sleeping, or hypersomnia.

[24] The pathogenesis of bipolar disorder, including the higher risk of suicidal ideation, could possibly be linked to circadian rhythm variability, and sleep disturbances are a good predictor of mood swings.

[27] The most common sleep-related symptom of bipolar disorder is insomnia, in addition to hypersomnia, nightmares, poor sleep quality, OSA, extreme daytime sleepiness, etc.

[28] Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia) - though not a necessary diagnostic criterion - are one of the most frequent symptoms of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

[30] Recent research has even pointed to sleep problems and fatigues as potential driving forces bridging MDD symptoms to those of co-occurring generalized anxiety disorder.

Rather, the choice of a specific treatment depends on the patient's diagnosis, medical and psychiatric history, and preferences, as well as the expertise of the treating clinician.

Management of sleep disturbances that are secondary to mental, medical, or substance abuse disorders should focus on the underlying conditions.

[32] Medications and somatic treatments may provide the most rapid symptomatic relief from certain disorders, such as narcolepsy, which is best treated with prescription drugs such as modafinil.

Although these results are not fully conclusive and more research should be conducted, it still provides evidence that music therapy can be an effective treatment for sleep disorders.

[48] Listening to slower pace music before bed can help decrease the heart rate, making it easier to transition into sleep.

[59] Occupational therapists have been shown to help improve restorative sleep through the use of assistive devices/equipment, cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia, therapeutic activities, and lifestyle interventions.

[70] A separate meta-analysis focusing on this sleeping disorder in the elderly mentions that those with more than one physical or psychiatric malady experience it at a 60% higher rate than those with one condition or less.

[71] A study that was resulted from a collaboration between Massachusetts General Hospital and Merck describes the development of an algorithm to identify patients with sleep disorders using electronic medical records.

[1] There are treatments that can help with insomnia and that includes medication, planning out a sleep schedule, limiting oneself from caffeine intake, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Women experience the highest risk for OSA during pregnancy,[74] and tend to report experiencing depression and insomnia in conjunction with obstructive sleep apnea.

The two groups in the study experience daytime OSA symptoms such as difficulties concentrating, mood swings, or high blood pressure,[76] at similar rates (prevalence of 3.5% and 3.57%, respectively).

[73] The worldwide incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is on the rise, largely due to the increasing prevalence of obesity in society.

In individuals who are obese, excess fat deposits in the upper respiratory tract can lead to breathing difficulties during sleep, giving rise to OSA.

Implementing dietary control in obese individuals can have a positive impact on sleep problems and can help alleviate associated issues such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

[78] Obesity is a risk factor for OSA because it can affect the upper respiratory system by accumulating fat deposition around the muscles surrounding the lungs.

Additionally, OSA can irritate the obesity by prolonging sleepiness throughout the day leading to reduces physical activity and an inactive lifestyle.