Sleep Disorders

Over 100 million Americans report getting inadequate sleep, and over 50 million are officially diagnosed with a sleep disorder. If you snore, struggle to fall (and stay) asleep, or wake up gasping, reach out to Cornerstone Psychiatry in Lindon, Utah. Experienced psychiatrist Rebecca Harvey, DNP, offers a listening ear and practical tools to help you get back to restful sleep. To book a consultation, call the Cornerstone Psychiatry office or schedule online today.

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt the quality of your sleep, how long you’re able to sleep, or how quickly you can fall asleep after going to bed. They can impact children and adults.

Common sleep disorders include:

• Restless legs syndrome — unusual sensations in your legs or feeling you need to move them
• Narcolepsy — suddenly falling asleep with no ability to control it
• Parasomnias — atypical behaviors, such as sleepwalking, while asleep or when falling asleep
• Obstructive sleep apnea — frequently failing to breathe properly while asleep
• Insomnia — the inability to fall or stay asleep

Because good sleep is vital to health and well-being, it’s important to address them promptly. Insufficient sleep can make depression or anxiety worse, and strained mental health can contribute to sleep disorders, forming a vicious cycle that can require help to break.

What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders have specific symptoms (such as the disruptive snoring that accompanies sleep apnea), but all disrupt healthy sleep cycles. If your sleep continues to be interrupted, you start experiencing symptoms like:

• Trouble concentrating
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• Mood shifts
• Extreme lethargy or fatigue throughout the day

Children and adults alike feel the impact of inadequate sleep. Children may perform poorly at school, and adults may find their productivity at work declining. They may also evidence new, concerning behavioral issues, such as aggression or hyperactivity.

How are sleep disorders treated?

Sleep disorders require a variety of treatments, including prescription medications, supplements, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or other individualized solutions.

Rebecca can assist you with medication management and get to the bottom of mental health issues that can underlie sleep disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you overcome insomnia by crafting healthy habits, such as better sleep hygiene or effective relaxation techniques. You may also learn mental exercises that quiet nagging thoughts that prevent you from slipping into a restful sleep.

You don’t have to drift groggily through life or toss and turn with tormenting thoughts all night. Find out more about the compassionate help for sleep disorders at Cornerstone Psychiatry by calling the office or booking a consultation online.