Sleep disorders are highly prevalent and significantly impair physical, cognitive, and psychological functioning. Conventional management strategies such as pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia are effective for many individuals, but may be limited by side effects, accessibility issues, adherence challenges, and patient preference for non-pharmacological options. Consequently, complementary and alternative medicine approaches have gained increasing attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives for managing sleep disturbances. This review examines the role of alternative therapies, including, but not limited to, mindfulness and meditation, yoga and relaxation techniques, music therapy, herbal supplements, aromatherapy, and hypnosis, in the management of sleep disorders.

Both therapeutic and nontherapeutic medications have a profound influence on sleep architecture, a vital component of overall health. Optimizing patient outcomes requires a clear understanding of how commonly prescribed drug classes affect the quality, duration, and structure of sleep. Clinicians should carefully consider these pharmacologic effects when selecting or modifying treatment regimens, particularly in patients with comorbidities or underlying sleep disorders. The widespread use of herbal and over-the-counter preparations further underscores the importance of comprehensive medication reviews and patient education. A thorough understanding of drug sleep interactions enables clinicians to deliver more informed, individualized, and safer patient care.

The reported prevalence of sleep disorders in the dental population ranges between 15% and 60%. Sleep has been known to have a bidirectional relationship with systemic diseases. There has been a steady increase in the occurrence of sleep disorders over the past few decades. Among the systemic factors that have robust bidirectional relationships with sleep disorders, are cardiovascular, endocrine, aging, and medications. This article explores how sleep disorders can be etiologically related to these systemic conditions, and how sleep can be affected by the same. It also explores deeper into the management of sleep disorders that are in systemic conditions.

This article presents a structured, clinically grounded approach to the diagnosis of sleep disorders. Key conceptual distinctions are clarified to support accurate symptom characterization and avoid diagnostic misclassification. Validated screening instruments are reviewed. Objective diagnostic modalities are discussed. The role of the physical examination and targeted biomarkers is emphasized as a means of enhancing diagnostic precision in selected patients. Through integration of clinical data, subjective assessments, and objective measures, the experienced clinician can accurately diagnose and manage common sleep disorders including insomnia, hypersomnolence disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders while delivering individualized, patient-centered care.

Sudden unexpected death during sleep particular in young people often provokes remorse whether could it have been prevented. Often the presenting symptom of sudden unexpected nocturnal death is death, but sometimes there are warning symptoms or signs (red flags) which if recognized and attended to may prevent the second (and too often fatal) event. Here we review some of the most common and striking ways to die unexpectedly from sleep, discussing vulnerable populations, particular risks, contributing or modifying factors, varying pathogenesis and potential prevention.

The neurophysiology of sleep and the pathophysiology of substance use disorders (SUDs) involve overlaps in neurotransmitters and pathways. SUDs and substance withdrawal are accompanied by significant impairments in sleep. Conversely, sleep disturbances are known to predispose for SUDs. Sleep disorders (SDs) such as insomnia, short sleep duration, and excessive daytime sleepiness have been causally related to SUD initiation and maintenance. Management of SUDs integrally depends on the successful management of the associated SDs, and vice versa.

Neurodegeneration is mostly irreversible and progressive. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a large group of disorders that have varied clinical and pathologic representations. These include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, among others. A common factor in all these NDDs is sleep disorders (SDs). NDDs and SDs are bidirectional. Screening for SDs should be an integral part of a workup of NDDs. Management of one can improve the prognosis of the other.

Movement disorders are abnormally increased or decreased voluntary or involuntary movement in the absence of any weakness or spasticity. Sleep disorders are commonly seen in these due to either the side effect of medications, anatomic substrate involvement in disease progression, or poor control of motor symptoms. Early identification and correct treatment are central to improving the quality of life of the patient. Both hypokinetic and hyperkinetic disorders have a predilection for various types of sleep disorders depending on the anatomic site and neurotransmitter involved. Sleep screening questionnaires are useful for a busy clinic to detect sleep disorders.

Sleep and psychiatric disorders seem to have strong associations, which are bidirectional. Impaired sleep is a risk factor for psychiatric entities, and conversely, psychiatric symptoms tend to aggravate and perpetuate sleep disturbances. Sleep disorders and psychiatric diseases have other common systemic comorbidities as well. Further, there is mounting evidence to suggest that common underlying factors exist for psychiatric and sleep disorders. This article explores the bidirectional nature of sleep and psychiatric comorbidities and also the overlap in the clinical symptomatology. Insomnia seems to be the most common sleep disorder comorbid with psychiatric disorders.

Both sleep medicine and dental sleep medicine have undergone explosive changes over the recent few decades. Newer diagnostic approaches and technological innovations have driven these branches of medicine into the new era of succinct interdisciplinary collaborative care among these specialties. Dental clinicians have a unique opportunity to routinely screen their patients for sleep-disordered breathing and related abnormalities, ensuring prompt referral to the appropriate physician. Furthermore, the dentist has the ability to work as part of the interdisciplinary multispecialty team, addressing the burden of unmet treatment needs. The dental appliance has successfully managed cases of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a heterogeneous disorder with varying clinical presentations and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Multiple studies demonstrated increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, impaired daytime function and quality of life in moderate to severe OSA. New sleep study metrics are being developed to better predict OSA-related cardiovascular risk that may help to target therapy to patients most likely to benefit. Novel treatments, including hypoglossal nerve stimulation, as well pharmacologic approaches, provide options to personalize therapy.

Sleep disturbances and chronic pain frequently co-occur and interact through complex, bidirectional pathways that span neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral domains. This work synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms linking sleep and pain, such as neuroinflammation, autonomic imbalance, impaired pain modulation, circadian disruption, and cognitive-affective processes. Longitudinal and microlongitudinal studies consistently demonstrate that poor sleep is a robust predictor of pain onset, escalation, and chronification, while pain also meaningfully disrupts sleep continuity and quality. Practical guidance is provided for integrating behavioral, physical, and pharmacological approaches within coordinated, interprofessional care pathways.

The impact of sleep on health has been the topic of recent research. Numerous systemic conditions and diseases may have a significant impact on sleep, and vice versa. There are complex interrelationships between sleep and health in special populations as well. This article, therefore, explores and highlights the key elements in this regard. In this article, a few of the systemic factors and conditions with the most robust effect on sleep have been selected. It is obvious that systemic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, renal, and other disorders have robust impact on sleep patterns and quality, and vice-versa.