Clinical Pearls on Sleep Management in Atopic Dermatitis

Dermatitis. 2019 Sep/Oct;30(5):287-293. doi: 10.1097/DER.0000000000000523.

Abstract

Multiple etiologies contribute to sleep disturbance in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, including learned scratching behavior and increased monoamines, cutaneous blood flow, inflammatory cell activities, and cytokines, as well as decreased melatonin, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and skin barrier function. Insomnia impairs cognitive development in children with AD, leading to behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Insomnia in adults with AD impedes work productivity. In this article, we discuss pearls on improving insomnia through both nonpharmacologic modalities, such as environmental adjustments and massage therapy, and pharmaceutical approaches including melatonin, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, mirtazapine, and benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine sedatives. Future investigations should further delineate the mechanistic link between insomnia and AD exacerbation and identify strategies to combat sleep-related disease burden.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / therapeutic use
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / complications*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / drug therapy
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Massage
  • Melatonin / therapeutic use
  • Mirtazapine / therapeutic use
  • Serotonin Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Sleep Hygiene
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / etiology*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Serotonin Antagonists
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Mirtazapine
  • Melatonin