Sleep strategies

Complete sleep deprivation is difficult to verify without objective measurement. Only one study employed polysomnograms to assess sleep and that involved partial sleep deprivation (92). Most studies used the honor system or third-party observers to verify sleep deprivation. This may be a fatal flaw as ultra-short sleep strategies, microsleeps, and napping temper the effects of sleep depri-... 

Both partial and complete sleep deprivation have plausible adverse effects on athletic performance, training, and injuries. Research conclusions range widely from no effects to very significant effects, with the absence of any study describing beneficial effects after sleep deprivation. Therefore, an optimal sleep strategy clearly represents a potential performance advantage for athletes. 

Both prescription and non-prescription medications for pediatric sleep problems are commonly recommended and used by both health care practitioners and parents in the United States and in Europe [1, 12-15], However, several studies suggest that in clinical practice these medications may not always be used appropriately, or for indications that are warranted [16, 17]. Health care providers are also hampered by the lack of information related to the safety, efficacy and tolerability of various classes of medications. The commonly used medications in various pediatric sleep disorders are discussed below. It is important to emphasize that the majority of these medications have not undergone controlled studies or systematic review to document their efficacy in pediatric sleep disorders. Furthermore, it should be noted that, by and large, these medications are most appropriately used in conjunction with established behavioral sleep strategies [1, 18, 19]. 

With this in mind, the search for molecular markers that define populations of neurons in areas important for arousal is clearly warranted. In this chapter we describe the identification of four peptidergic systems that modulate different aspects of the sleep-wakefulness cycle. The success of this strategy demonstrates the need for new markers of neuronal cell types, which may define populations of neurons critical for our understanding of cortical activity and sleep. 

The sleep-inducing effect of some antidepressants has been used as an additive strategy in depressed patients with complaints of insomnia to negate the side effects of BZDs that could be confused with worsening depressive symptoms, including asthenia, diurnal sedation, and concentration and memory problems. 

Using complex counting strategies to bore yourself to sleep. 

Joffe RT, Swinson RP Total sleep deprivation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 77 483-487, 1988 Joffe RT, Swinson RP, Levitt AJ Acute psychostimulant challenge in primary obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Chn Psychopharmacol 11 237-241, 1991 Johns CA, Greenwald BS, Mohs RC, et al The chohnergic treatment strategy in aging and senile dementia. Pharmacological Bulletin 19 185-197, 1983 Johnson BB, Naylor GJ, Dick EG, et al Prediction of chnical course of bipolar manic depressive illness treated with hthium. Psychol Med 10 329-334, 1980... 

However, it s a good idea to actually cut back on your study schedule in the final week. The natural tendency is to cram before a big test. Maybe this strategy has worked for you with other exams, but it s not a good idea with the SAT. Also, cramming tends to raise your anxiety level, and your brain doesn t do its best work when you re anxious. Anxiety is your enemy when it comes to test taking. It s also your enemy when it comes to restful sleep, and it s extremely important that you be well rested and relaxed on test day. 

Undoubtedly, there is growing evidence for an association between disturbed sleep and impaired adolescent functioning however, more attention needs to be directed toward identifying possible causal paths and possible strategies for intervention. Furthermore, clinicians need to become more aware of the potential role of sleep disorders when evaluating children with neurobehavioral deficits. 

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