Sleep Disorders
What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders affect your overall sleep quality and the way you fall asleep. Sleep is vital for optimal health and wellness, as sleep deprivation can drain energy levels, increase your risk of accidents, and contribute to obesity and other chronic diseases.
What are the different types of sleep disorders?
Many different types of sleep disorders exist. Common examples include:
Insomnia
If you have insomnia, you probably have a difficult time falling or staying asleep throughout the night.
Sleep apnea
With sleep apnea, abnormal breathing patterns cause periodic breathing pauses throughout the night, snoring, and interrupted or poor-quality sleep.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome is a movement disorder where you experience uncomfortable urges to move your legs while falling asleep at night.
Narcolepsy
With Narcolepsy, you may experience extreme sleepiness and fall asleep suddenly during the day.
What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?
- While everybody is different, common sleep disorder symptoms include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Problems paying attention
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Episodes of stopped breathing
- Constant urges to move your legs
Risk factors for sleep disorders include genetics, family history of sleep issues, chronic medical conditions, alcohol, tranquilizers, and sedatives. Chronic stress, being overweight, consuming caffeine before bed, smoking, congestion, and asthma can also negatively affect sleep quality.
What are common sleep disorder treatments?
To diagnose sleep disorders and develop an effective treatment, your Point Psychiatry specialist reviews your symptoms, discusses your medical history, and completes a physical exam. They might recommend you undergo blood tests or a sleep study to make a final diagnosis.
Your personalized sleep disorder treatment plan might include:
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes that help you get a better night’s sleep include setting a regular bedtime, avoiding caffeine before bed, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating nutritious foods. Avoid smoking, drinking, and taking sedatives.
Sleep aids
To help you get a good night’s rest, your Point psychiatry specialist might recommend you try an oral appliance or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to treat sleep apnea. They may suggest foot wraps to reduce symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques before bed can help you fall and stay asleep. Examples include meditation, stretching, listening to music, reading, getting a massage, or taking a hot shower or bath.
Medications/supplements
While usually a last resort, medications are often an effective sleep disorder treatment. Your Point Psychiatry specialist works with you to develop a medication regimen that fits your needs, but they may suggest trying natural dietary supplements, such as melatonin, first.
Don’t live with sleep disorders and chronic fatigue that negatively affect your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Point Psychiatry by phone or book online for better sleep today.