Sleep Medicine
Sleep medicine is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and research of sleep disorders and related conditions. It integrates various aspects of medicine, psychology, neurology, and psychiatry. Sleep medicine is closely linked to TMD (temporomandibular disorders), as sleep-related issues such as bruxism (teeth grinding) or obstructive sleep apnea can be both causes and consequences of TMD.
The most common sleep disorders include:
- insomnia (difficulty sleeping),
- sleep apnea (breathing interruptions during sleep),
- restless legs syndrome, and
- narcolepsy.
Diagnostics in sleep medicine often involve sleep laboratories, where sleep patterns and physiological changes are monitored using polysomnography.
Treatment may include medication, behavioral changes, the use of breathing devices for sleep apnea, or psychological interventions.
The goal of sleep medicine is to improve sleep quality and, consequently, enhance the overall quality of life for patients.