A 46-year-old international pilot presents with complaints of difficulty sleeping for the last four months. She reports insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, especially after she has flown overnight. The client denies substance use or another medical condition. Select the most appropriate treatment.
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: The pilot is likely suffering from Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder, specifically the shift work or jet lag type. Light therapy (phototherapy) is a first-line, non-pharmacological treatment used to "reset" the biological clock by suppressing melatonin production at specific times, helping the individual synchronize their internal rhythm with their work schedule and required sleep times. Choice B reason: Modafinil is a wake-promoting agent used for excessive sleepiness in narcolepsy or shift work disorder. However, for a pilot, the use of stimulants or wake-promoting agents is strictly regulated and often prohibited by aviation authorities due to the risk of side effects or masking underlying fatigue, making non-pharmacological light therapy a safer and more appropriate initial step. Choice C reason: Temazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic. It is generally not recommended for long-term use (4 months) and carries risks of sedation, cognitive impairment, and dependency. In the aviation industry, the residual "hangover" effects of benzodiazepines can compromise safety and are often contraindicated for active-duty pilots during flight cycles. Choice D reason: Trazodone is an antidepressant often used off-label for insomnia. While it is less habit-forming than benzodiazepines, it can cause significant daytime grogginess, orthostatic hypotension, and priapism. For a professional pilot, the priority is to re-establish a natural circadian rhythm rather than relying on sedative medications that could impair occupational performance.