[Sleep disorders: diagnosis and treatment].

Disturbed or inadequate sleep is a frequent complaint with a great impact on daily functions and an often chronic course requiring adequate treatment. To choose an appropriate therapy it is necessary to develop a useful, reliable, valid and specific diagnostic procedure. Primary care physicians can recognize and treat most sleep disorders. For special diagnostic cases sleep centers are recommended. Sleep disorders may be managed by adequate pharmacological as well as nonpharmacological treatment. Besides specific pharmacological means, education in sleep/wake physiology and hygiene and several psychotherapeutic strategies may be valuable.