The power of sleep to heal the body cannot be underestimated. Most research indicates that 7–8 hours of sleep are a minimum that people need to stay healthy. Clients who come to the PMHNP’s office frequently complain of sleep problems. It is estimated that 10–20% of patients report some type of sleeping problem.

In this Discussion, you will analyze the diagnostic criteria and evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for sleep/wake disorders.

To prepare for this Discussion:

By Day 5 of Week 9, your Instructor will have assigned you a sleep/wake disorder, which will be the focus of your original post for this Discussion. ****NIGHTMARE DISORDER*****
Review the Learning Resources.

Post:

Explain the diagnostic criteria for your assigned sleep/wake disorder.
Explain the evidenced-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatment for your assigned sleep/wake disorder.
Describe at what point you would refer the client to their primary care physician for an additional referral to a neurologist, pulmonologist, or physician specializing in sleep disorders and explain why.
Support your rationale with references to the Learning Resources or other academic resource.