Sleep deprivation (sleep deprivation) therapy

In recent years, the possibility of using sleep deprivation to treat depressive states has been increasingly discussed. Most researchers recommend using this method both at the initial stages of an endogenous depressive attack and in cases of treatment-resistant depression.

Before starting treatment, the patients and their relatives should be explained in detail the purpose and objectives of the method, the rules of behavior during the previous day, sleepless night, "critical periods" (1-3 hours of the night) and the following day. In total deprivation treatment, patients do not sleep during the day, night and the following day, i.e. the total time of wakefulness is 36-40 hours. In the first 2-3 weeks of treatment, 2 sessions are conducted per week with an interval of 2-3 days; subsequently, 1 session per week. On average, the course of treatment consists of 6-8 sessions of sleep deprivation.

During treatment, patients go to bed at 9-10 p.m., then are awakened at 1:30 a.m. After awakening, they are awake for the rest of the night and the following day. At 9-10 p.m., they go to bed again, and then are awakened again at 1:30 a.m. Thus, the total time of wakefulness during one session of partial sleep deprivation is 18-20 hours. The entire course of treatment consists of 5 sessions conducted daily. A good therapeutic effect of sleep deprivation is often noted in cases of lethargy, apathy, and inhibition in the structure of depression.