logo

What are sleep disorders?

Everyone experiences occasional sleepless nights, but a sleep disorder is more severe and persists over time if not treated. Several sleep disorders exist, including insomnia and sleep apnea. Treatment at mentalHope Psychiatry can alleviate the disruptive effects of sleep disorders, significantly enhancing your quality of life.

Which symptoms do sleep disorders cause?

Sleep disorders can lead to:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Frequent awakenings during the night
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Irritability
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Reduced performance at work or school
  • Weight gain

You might also avoid activities or feel less motivated due to the exhaustion caused by a sleep disorder.

What are the different forms of sleep disorders?

Many types of sleep disorders exist, including:

Insomnia
This disorder causes difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and irritability.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing loud snoring and disrupted sleep.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that worsen at night.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy causes sudden sleep attacks and excessive daytime sleepiness, often accompanied by sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy).

Circadian Rhythm Disorders
These disorders occur when your internal body clock is out of sync with the external environment, such as in shift work disorder or jet lag.

Parasomnias
Parasomnias involve abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and bedwetting.

See the mentalHope Psychiatry experts if a sleep disorder is causing problems for you or a loved one.

How is a sleep disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosing a sleep disorder involves discussing your medical history, lifestyle, and medications. Your provider completes a psychiatric evaluation to assess your sleep patterns, habits, and any underlying conditions. They conduct detailed assessments to accurately diagnose sleep disorders and develop a treatment specific to your needs.

How is a sleep disorder treated?

mentalHope Psychiatry provides the following treatments for sleep disorders:

  • Medication management
  • Lifestyle counseling

Medication can help regulate sleep patterns, while therapy and lifestyle coaching teach you ways to improve sleep hygiene, reduce stress, and enhance sleep quality. mentalHope Psychiatry provides continuous support and follow-up care that prioritizes family involvement.

Schedule a telehealth evaluation at mentalHope Psychiatry online today.