PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Alvah T. Wickboldt AU - Alex F. Bowen AU - Aaron J. Kaye AU - Adam M. Kaye AU - Franklin Rivera Bueno AU - Alan D. Kaye TI - Sleep Physiology, Abnormal States, and Therapeutic Interventions DP - 2012 Jun 20 TA - Ochsner Journal PG - 122--134 VI - 12 IP - 2 4099 - http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/12/2/122.short 4100 - http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/12/2/122.full SO - Ochsner J2012 Jun 20; 12 AB - Sleep is essential. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population experiences altered sleep states that often result in a multitude of health-related issues. The regulation of sleep and sleep-wake cycles is an area of intense research, and many options for treatment are available. The following review summarizes the current understanding of normal and abnormal sleep-related conditions and the available treatment options. All clinicians managing patients must recommend appropriate therapeutic interventions for abnormal sleep states. Clinicians' solid understanding of sleep physiology, abnormal sleep states, and treatments will greatly benefit patients regardless of their disease process.