Final answer:
A provider may consider cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene improvements before turning to medications like sedative-hypnotics or melatonin supplements for a patient with difficulty sleeping, in order to minimize potential side effects and overprescription issues linked to sleep medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient reports difficulty falling asleep, a medical provider may first examine aspects of sleep hygiene and nondrug interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as initial treatment approaches, as suggested by studies cited in the American Journal of Public Health and the Archives of Internal Medicine. Sleep medications, such as sedative-hypnotics or melatonin supplements, may be prescribed if these approaches are unsuccessful; however, physicians are becoming increasingly aware of the risks of overprescribing and side effects associated with sleep medications. It is critical to consider non-pharmacological treatment options, which may include improving sleep habits, regularizing sleep schedules, or addressing psychological stressors that may contribute to insomnia. Nevertheless, if a medication is deemed necessary, the medical assistant can anticipate that the provider might prescribe either a prescription sleep aid or an over-the-counter remedy like melatonin, which depends on the patient's specific symptoms, medical history, and the severity of the insomnia.
Furthermore, the National Institute of Health recommends assessing sleep hygiene as the cornerstone of treating sleeplessness, which includes measures such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, making the bedroom conducive to sleep, and avoiding substances that can interfere with sleep.