The More the Merrier? Working Towards Multidisciplinary Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Comorbid Insomnia

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this article was to provide an overview of the diagnostic considerations, clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment approaches for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and comorbid insomnia. METHOD: We begin with a review of the literature on OSA and comorbid insomnia. We then present a multidisciplinary approach using pulmonary and behavioral sleep medicine treatments. RESULTS: OSA and insomnia co-occur at a high rate and such patients have distinct clinical features. Empirically supported treatments are available for OSA and insomnia independently but there are no standards or guidelines for how to implement these treatments for patients who suffer from both disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary treatment holds promise for patients with comorbid sleep disorders. Further research should be aimed at optimizing treatments and developing standards of practice for this population.