An update of management of insomnia in patients with chronic orofacial pain

Abstract

In this review we discuss the management of chronic orofacial pain (COFP) patients with insomnia. Diagnostic work-up and follow-up routines of COFP patients should include assessment of sleep problems. Management is based on a multidisciplinary approach, addressing the factors that modulate the pain experience as well as insomnia and including both non-pharmacological and pharmacological modalities. Parallel to treatment, patients should receive therapy for co-morbid medical and psychiatric disorders, and possible substance abuse that may be that may trigger or worsen the COFP and/or their insomnia.

Insomnia treatment should begin with non-pharmacological therapy, to minimize potential side effects, drug interactions and risk of substance abuse associated with pharmacological therapy. Behavioral therapies for insomnia include: sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, multicomponent behavioral therapy or brief behavioral therapy for insomnia, relaxation strategies, stimulus control and sleep restriction. Approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration medications to treat insomnia include: benzodiazepines (estazolam, flurazepam, temazepam, triazolam and quazepam), non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (eszopiclone,zaleplon, zolpidem), the melatonin receptor agonist ramelteon, the antidepressant doxepin and the orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant. .Chronic orofacial pain can greatly improve following treatment of the underlying insomnia, and therefore, re-evaluation of COFP is advised after one month of treatment.

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