Presentation on theme: "Managing Sleep Disorders in the Primary Care Setting."— Presentation transcript:
Managing Sleep Disorders in the Primary Care Setting
Faculty Sanford Auerbach, MD Associate Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Boston University School of Medicine Director, Sleep Disorders Center; Boston Medical Center David N. Neubauer, MD Associate Professor; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Associate Director; Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center Karl Doghramji, MD Medical Director; Jefferson Sleep Disorders Center Professor, Psychiatry and Human Behavior; Associate Professor, Neurology; Jefferson Medical College
Learning Objectives 1. Review the neurobiology of sleep disorders in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sleep disorders 2. Identify comorbid conditions associated with sleep disorders in order to improve treatment of patients 3. Develop individualized treatment plans for patients with sleep disorders by improving collaboration with other sleep professionals
Epidemiology Nearly 70 million Americans experience sleep disorders. 1 Prevalence of chronic sleep disorders ranges from 6% to 18% in the US population. 2-3 Data show that 2/3 of people experience a sleep problem at least a few nights a week; nearly half experience difficulty with sleep every night or almost every night. 4 29% of people fell asleep or became very sleepy while at work. 4 Costs for doctor/hospital services, prescriptions, and over-the- counter medications are in the hundreds of billions of dollars per year. 1 1: Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2006. 2: NIH State of the Science Conference statement on Manifestations and Management of Chronic Insomnia in Adults statement. J Clin Sleep Med 2005;1:412-21. 3: Ohayon MM. Epidemiology of insomnia: what we know and what we still need to learn. Sleep Med Rev 2002;6:97-111. 4: 2008 Sleep in America Poll: summary of findings. 2008. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/press-release/sleep-america-poll-summary-findings.http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/press-release/sleep-america-poll-summary-findings.
Challenges in Managing Sleep Disorders Barriers to Recognition and Treatment of Sleep Disorders Lack of evidence that treatment really does improve outcomes Lack of long-term data on medications Lack of timely clinical guidelines Reluctance to discuss insomnia for patients AND physicians Time constraints during office visits Lack of physician training Practitioner perceptions/beliefs Also, patients themselves often don’t realize their sleep habits are problematic and may affect daytime functioning.
Discussion Question: In light of this emerging data and epidemiology, what are your opinions on why sleep disorders are trivialized in primary care?
Lack of Screening in Primary Care 1. Confusion on diagnosis/clinical features of sleep disorders 2. Concerns about insurance coverage for sleep studies 3. Lack of awareness about the relationship between sleep and common chronic diseases 4. Suboptimal follow-up with patients referred for therapy 5. Frustration about therapeutic compliance 6. Time limitations of routine patient exams 1: Chung SA, Jairam S, Hussain MR, Shapiro CM. Knowledge of sleep apnea in a sample grouping of primary care physicians. Sleep Breath 2001;5:115- 21. 2: Schotland HM, Jeffe DB. Development of the obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and attitudes (OSAKA) questionnaire. Sleep Med 2003;4:443-50. The majority of PCPs do not screen for or address sleep-related disorders in their patients. 1,2
General Implications for Adequate Sleep Significant impact on lifelong health Promotes daytime wellness and activity levels Sleep, diet, and exercise interact heavily with one another Sleep is involved with several other chronic comorbid conditions 1 Roth T. Insomnia: definition, prevalence, etiology, and consequences. J Clin Sleep Med 2007;3:S7-10
Consequences of Sleep Deprivation Headaches, memory and concentration problems; fatigue, sleepiness, mood disorders; stroke Carotid stenosis Pulmonary hypertension Worsen neuromuscular disorders Increased risk for cardiac disease and hypertension with disorders such as sleep apnea Gastric reflux (sleep apnea) Low testosterone in males; poor fetal outcomes Increased mortality Endocrine: DM II; Low growth hormone
Discussion Question: Most frequently, patients do not come in with a sleep disorder as their chief complaint, though it is, in fact often related to their presenting complaint. How do you address this challenge in clinical practice?
The Bi-Phasic Concept of Sleep Borbély AA. Sleep homeostasis and models of sleep regulation. In: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, Kryger MH., Roth T., Dement WC. (Eds.), Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia (2005). Colwell, CS. Circadian rhythms. American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Available at: http://www.acnp.org/g4/GN401000074/CH074.html.. PhaseCharacteristics Sleep Homeostasis Regulates sleep intensity Sleep deficits cause compensatory rise in sleep intensity/duration Excessive sleep lowers sleep intensity/duration Slow waves on EEG denote higher sleep intensity Circadian Rhythm Regulates timing of sleep Rhythms repeat once every 24 hours Rhythms are endogenous (persist in the absence of external cues Rhythms can adjust to local time Rhythms maintain periodicity over physiological temperatures
Regulation of Sleep/Wake Cycles Sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythm regulate all aspects of sleep/wake, including: Sleep deprivation recovery Circadian phase dependence of sleep duration Sleep during shift work Fragmentation during bed rest Internal desynchronization when time cues are absent Borbély AA. Sleep homeostasis and models of sleep regulation. In: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, Kryger MH., Roth T., Dement WC. (Eds.), Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia (2005). Colwell, CS. Circadian rhythms. American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Available at: http://www.acnp.org/g4/GN401000074/CH074.html..
Mechanisms of Sleep Ascending Arousal System Involved with wakefulness Originates in the upper brainstem adjacent to the pons and midbrain, and continues to the diencephalon Two Branches BRANCH 1: innervates the thalamus, activating relay neurons and reticular nuclei for thalamocortical transmission. BRANCH 2: Innervates the lateral hypothalamus, basal forebrain, and cerebral cortex; made up of serotoninergic raphe nuclei, noradrenergic/dopaminergic neurons, and others Schwartz JR, Roth T. Neurophysiology of sleep and wakefulness: basic science and clinical implications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2008;6:367-78.
Inhibition of Awake State by VLPO A group of ventrolateral preoptic (VLPO) neurons is activated while falling asleep, and believed responsible for inhibition of the ascending arousal system. 1,2 VLPO neurons contain 2 inhibitory neurotransmitters: 1: Gaus, SE, et al. Ventrolateral preoptic nucleus contains sleep-active, galaninergic neurons in multiple mammalian species. Neuroscience. 2002;115:285-294. 2: Sherin JE, et al. Activation of ventrolateral preoptic neurons during sleep. Science. 1996;271:216-219. Essential for quieting the ascending arousal system during sleep. 1: GABA 2: Galanin This interaction causes a brainstem “switch” which regulates the stability of the sleep-wake states.
Discussion Question: What aspects of sleep neurobiology do you believe may be related to managing other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, migraine, etc.?
Individual Disorders Common Sleep Disorders Seen in Primary Care: Insomnia Obstructive sleep apnea Restless Legs Syndrome Less Common Narcolepsy Shift work disorder
Obstructive Sleep Apnea DEFINITION Recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep Patil SP, et al. Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Pathophysiology and Diagnosis. Chest. 2007;132(1):325-337. Apnea Partial reduction in airflow with some desaturation and/or an arousal Hypopnea Marked reduction in airflow with duration ≥ 10 seconds
Severity Criteria: Am Academy of Sleep Med Littner MR, Shepard JW. Recommendations for research into measurement and classification of sleep disordered breathing: Gazing into the crystal ball. Sleep. 1999;22(5):665-666. ClassificationEvents “Mild”5 - <15 events/hour “Moderate”15 - <30 events/hour “Severe”≥ 30 events/hour “Events” includes apneas, hypopneas, and respiratory effort related arousals. OSA consequences include daytime hypersomnolence, neurocognitive dysfunction, CV disease, metabolic dysfunction, and cor pulmonale. Major risk factors include obesity, male gender, and age. OSA is associated with snoring, which can cause sleep deprivation daytime drowsiness, lack of focus, irritability, etc.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Behavioral therapy – Weight control – Do not use nicotine, alcohol, or certain sleep medications Physical/mechanical treatment – Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) – CPAP – Auto-titrating CPAP – Bilevel PAP – Oral appliances – Positional therapy Surgery
Insomnia: Definition/Classification Definition: Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both; the perception of poor quality sleep Includes sleep impairment and impact on daytime functioning Classification is typically based on Symptom Duration: Siamak T, et al. Insomnia. Available at: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/article_em.htm. Feldman, M. Insomnia. In: Ferri, F. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier. 2012.http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/article_em.htm ClassificationSymptom Duration “Transient”< 1 week “Short-Term”1 – 3 weeks “Chronic”> 3 weeks
Insomnia: Variety of Presentations and Consequences Symptoms may be acute and self-limited, chronic but intermittent, or chronic and frequent Schwartz JR, Roth T. Neurophysiology of sleep and wakefulness: basic science and clinical implications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2008;6:367-78. Feldman, M. Insomnia. In: Ferri, F. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier. 2012. INSOMNIA Difficulty Falling Asleep Daytime Sleepiness or Fatigue Difficulty Sleeping at Desired Times Restless or Nonrestorative Sleep Early Morning Awakening Difficulty Staying Asleep
Insomnia: Clinical Challenges 1. Insomnia often coexists with other conditions. 2. Insomnia is not defined by a specific number of hours of sleep that one gets, since individuals vary widely. 3. Few people who experience insomnia seek medical advice. 4. Many people are unaware of the options available to treat insomnia.
Discussion Question: What are your thoughts on whether insomnia is a clinical disorder (i.e., primary insomnia) or a symptom resulting from a pre-existing condition?
Discussion Question: What are the pros and cons of the varying medications used to treat insomnia?
Restless Legs Syndrome Characteristics: Uncomfortable sensation or urge to move the legs Discomfort worse in the evening or night Discomfort worse at rest Discomfort better with movement of the affected leg(s) Common complaints: Paresthesias; “worms” or “bugs” under the skin; pressure under the skin; throbbing muscular ache; “growing pains”; and/or irresistible urge to move the leg Treatment: Dopaminergics (ropinirole; pramipexole; rotigotine; etc.) Calcium channel alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin encarbil, gabapentin* pregabalin*) Opioids (tramadol* hydromorphone* etc.) Other: benzodiazepines, other antidepressants, etc. Durmer, J. Restless Legs Syndrome. In: Ferri, F. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier. 2012. Aurora, R.; et al. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2010;6(1): 85-95. *Not currently indicated for treatment of RLS
Discussion Question: How do you discern between RLS and periodic limb movement disorder?
Narcolepsy Characteristics: Excessive daytime sleepiness Dysregulation of REM sleep Symptoms include sleepiness, cataplexy, hallucinations, sleep paralysis and fragmentation Common complaints: Overwhelming urge to sleep and chronic hypersomnia during the day; cataplexy (60-100% of patients); hallucinations and/or cataplexy; fragmented sleep (often confused with insomnia) Treatment: For excessive daytime somnolence: Amphetamine-like stimulants, non-amphetamine stimulants, and sodium oxybate For cataplexy: Antidepressants (TCAs, SSRIs, SSNRIs) and sodium oxybate Hayes, D. Narcolepsy. In: Ferri, F. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier. 2012.
Shift Work Disorder Characteristics Inability to synchronize internal clock with a work schedule that requires staying awake when dark and sleeping when light. A circadian rhythm disorder (jet lag; delayed/advanced sleep phase; etc.) Common complaints: Irritability, decreased alertness, altered appetite, weakened memory, changes in mental health and stress levels. Decreased alertness; job-related or other accidents Increased risk of GI problems, cancer, depression, heart disease, excessive sleepiness, and decreased productivity Treatment: Prescribed sleep/wake scheduling; bright light treatment; melatonin Caffeine, modafinil, armodafinil to promote wakefulness Hypnotics to promote daytime sleep Amphetamine and other stimulants Roth, T. Shift work disorder: overview and diagnosis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73(3):e09. American Sleep Association. Shift Work Disorder. Available at: http://www.sleepassociation.org/index.php?p=shiftworkdisorder.
Additional Less Common Sleep Disorders Less Common Sleep Disorders Advanced sleep phase syndromeParasomnias (several) BedwettingREM behavior disorder BruxismSituational circadian sleep disorder CataplexySleep paralysis Delayed sleep phase syndromeSleep talking HypersomniaSleep walking Night terrorsSnoring NocturiaSudden infant death syndrome
Collaborative Care in Sleep Disorders To detect/treat sleep disorders, PCPs must discuss occupations, sleep habits, and several aspects of health with their patients. Doghramji, PP. Recognizing sleep disorders in a primary care setting. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;65 Suppl 16:23-6. HIGH RISK PATIENTS Pain Occupation- Related High Stress Overall Poor Physical and Mental Health Limited Activity Mental Illness Collaboration with other health professionals
Reasons to Refer Managing the patient with sleep disorders requires several elements of care: Screening Diagnosis Search for and treatment of risk factors (CV, neurologic, psychiatric, etc.) Identification and treatment of specific sleep syndromes. Questionnaires are NOT diagnostic; positive responses are only the beginning. Many patients’ symptoms do not fit neatly within a specific diagnosis. Several medications affect sleep patterns. More advanced diagnostic methods (such as polysomnography) are often not readily available to PCPs. Alattar M, et al. Sleep Problems in Primary Care: A North Carolina Family Practice Research Network (NC-FP-RN) Study J Am Board Fam Med. 2007;20(4):365-74.
Referring to Sleep Specialist While PCP’s can handle many aspects of sleep disorder management, referring is often necessary, leading to… Enhanced development of individualized treatment through improving collaboration with other sleep professionals
Discussion Question: Discuss the importance of referring patients for sleep studies.
Conclusions Adequate sleep has a significant positive impact on lifelong health Sleep is involved with many other chronic comorbid conditions such as hypertension, stroke, low testosterone, headaches, and others Patients AND clinicians often don’t realize that sleep habits are problematic and may affect daytime functioning Improved screening and individualized treatment for patients with sleep disorders are key to long-term positive outcomes