Sleep struggles are the mother of all problems.
Tossing and turning. Waking up in the middle of the night. Feeling tired all day. Whether you sleep too little or too much, it affects everything.
Not getting quality sleep is more than frustrating; it’s vital for our physical and mental well-being.
We all experience sleep problems sometimes, and simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. But when those changes aren’t enough, you might need to see a sleep psychiatrist.
Why is Quality Sleep Important?
More than just getting your 7 to 9 hours of sleep, it should also be quality sleep. It helps with:
- Brain Function. Sleep enables our brains to process information, consolidate memories, and improve cognitive functions like attention, concentration, and decision-making.
- Mood Regulation. Adequate sleep helps regulate emotions and reduces irritability, stress, and anxiety.
- Physical Health. Sleep supports our immune system, helps regulate hormones, and plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Growth and Development. Sleep is crucial for children and adolescents, as it is critical to growth and development.
The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Your Well-being
When you don’t get enough quality sleep, it affects more than just how tired you feel.
It can impact your mood, making you more irritable, anxious, or depressed. It becomes harder to concentrate and make decisions.
Poor sleep can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of developing various health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Ongoing sleep problems can increase the risk of developing or worsening existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
What Causes Poor Sleep?
- Stress. Worries and anxieties can make it hard to relax and fall asleep.
- Poor Sleep Hygiene. Irregular sleep schedules, caffeine or alcohol consumption before bed, and a noisy or uncomfortable sleep environment can all interfere with sleep.
- Underlying Medical Conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain or thyroid problems, can disrupt sleep.
- Mental Health Issues. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can significantly affect sleep quality.
- Medications. Some medications can have side effects that interfere with sleep.
- Lifestyle Factors. Lack of exercise, poor diet, and excessive screen time before bed can contribute to sleep problems.
Understanding Common Sleep Disorders
Apart from your lifestyle, several sleep disorders can disrupt your rest. Here are a few:
Insomnia
This is one of the most common sleep disorders. It makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or makes you wake up too early.
People with insomnia often feel tired during the day, have trouble concentrating, and are irritable.
Hypersomnia
This involves excessive daytime sleepiness, even after getting plenty of sleep at night. People with hypersomnia struggle to stay awake during the day and have difficulty performing daily tasks.
Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder
This circadian rhythm disorder makes it hard to fall asleep and wake up at typical times. People with DSPD often feel their “internal clock” is shifted later, making it difficult to follow a regular sleep schedule.
Sleep Apnea
This disorder causes pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can disrupt sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness, snoring, and other health problems.
If you’re struggling to get good sleep, don’t suffer on your own. There are people who can and will help. Speak to your doctor or reach out to a sleep psychiatrist.
What is a Sleep Psychiatrist?
A sleep psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. They trained in psychiatry and sleep medicine. This means they understand how sleep problems and mental health are connected.
These doctors can help you figure out why you’re not sleeping well and create the right treatment plan for you.
When to See a Sleep Psychiatrist
If you’re experiencing ongoing sleep problems, talk to a sleep psychiatrist.
Here are some signs you may need more than over-the-counter solutions or lifestyle changes.
- You have trouble falling asleep most nights.
- You wake up frequently at night and can’t go back to sleep.
- You wake up too early in the morning.
- You feel tired all day, even after sleeping 7 to 9 hours.
- Your sleep problems are affecting your mood, relationships, or work.
- You’ve tried changing your sleep hygiene unsuccessfully.
- You think you might have a sleep disorder.
How a Sleep Psychiatrist Can Help
During your initial session, we’ll start with a thorough sleep evaluation. This conversation takes about 1 hour and is conducted via telehealth or in-person. We’ll discuss your sleep history, your sleep hygiene habits, mental health, family history, and any other health concerns you may have.
We might recommend a sleep disorder test, such as a sleep study, if we need more information about your sleep patterns. This evaluation helps us make an accurate diagnosis.
Once we have enough information, we’ll develop a solution suited to you.
If we find that you face a mental health concern, we will treat that in addition to your sleep struggles, as the two are related.
Our treatment plans can include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
This type of therapy helps you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia. It’s a first-line treatment for many sleep disorders.
Medication Management
In some cases, medication may help manage sleep disorders. Not everyone is comfortable with sleep medication, so we will work with you to find the lowest effective dose.
Lifestyle Modifications
The best long-term solution is practicing good sleep hygiene. We’ll work with you to build a sleep routine that works, implement beneficial habits, and resolve underlying issues.
Find Your Sleep Solution
Don’t let sleep problems control your life. If you need help finding your Zzzs, we’re here to help.
At A Better Day Psychiatry, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve restful nights and brighter days.
Schedule your appointment today!
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about mental health and related topics. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional for any questions you may have regarding your own mental health or a specific medical condition.