Sleep Disorders and Insomnia

Overview: Sleep Disorders and Insomnia

Some people experience severely disrupted sleep throwing off their circadian rhythm. These disruptions they experience could be breathing issues, an intense urge to fall asleep during the day, or that they cannot fall asleep when they need to. Sleep disorders come in a diverse array of forms.

What Are the Different Types of Sleep Disorders?

A few types of sleep disorders are:

• Insomnia: not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep; it can be acute or chronic.
• Sleep Apnea: serious sleep disorder where one's breath pauses for a moment, or they have a hard time breathing while sleeping. It is often accompanied by snoring and feeling tired.
• Narcolepsy: a chronic sleep disorder where a person has an intense urge to sleep during the day (especially at inconvenient times) and has difficulty staying away.
• Restless Leg Syndrome: a neurological sleep disorder where the sleeper feels a tingling or crawling sensation in their legs and has a strong urge to move the legs for relief. The tingling makes it difficult for them to fall asleep.
• REM Sleep behavior disorder: when the sleeper acts out their nightmare by arm flailing, making noises, or kicking; this is also called dream enacting behavior

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Disorders?

• It takes 30 minutes or longer to fall asleep
• Sleeping partner reports loud snoring or pausing in breath
• Intense bouts of fatigue during the day
• Waking up too early in the morning or waking up periodically during the night
• Sleepwalking
• Vigorous movement during sleep
• Talking in sleep

How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?

A qualified doctor will do a physical exam, look at your medical and sleep history to begin diagnosis. They will also conduct a sleep study to monitor sleep behavior patterns. During the study, the doctor may look at brain wave changes, eye movement, and other behaviors to help find the cause.

What Are the Risk Factors for Sleep Disorders?

Some risks associated with sleep disorders and insomnia are as follows (this is not a comprehensive list):

• Heart disease
• Impaired cognitive ability
• Irritability
• Unable to concentrate on tasks
• Depression
• Anxiety
• High Blood Pressure

When Should You Ask for Help with A Sleep Disorder?

Reach out to your practitioner or a qualified professional when sleep issues become an ongoing, consistent occurrence that also affects your daily life and work.

What Treatment or Therapy is Available For Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders can be treated with:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy a non-invasive procedure 

How Can MidValley Healthcare Help Treat Sleep Disorders?

Come to MidValley Healthcare and let us help you regain a good night's sleep once again. Our qualified practitioners provide excellent psychotherapy. If you are experiencing any of the sleep disorder symptoms mentioned above, contact us and make an appointment. We'll walk you through the process and discover the best way to meet your mental health needs.