Sleep Disorders

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders affect the quality, timing, and quantity of sleep you get each night. They can negatively impact your mental health, physical health, mood, and well-being when not addressed, and increase the risk of accidents. 

Fortunately, treatment with Dr. Lowe can boost sleep quality and your overall quality of life. 

What are the different types of sleep disorders?

Examples of specific sleep disorders include:

• Restless legs syndrome (RLS): urge to move your legs during sleep
• Narcolepsy: inability to regulate when you fall asleep
• Sleep apnea: changes in breathing during sleep
• Insomnia: problems falling and/or staying asleep
• REM sleep behavior disorder: acting out dreams during sleep
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome: falling asleep two hours or more after going to bed
• Shift work sleep disorder: difficulty falling or staying asleep because shift work

There are more than 80 types of sleep disorders. 

What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders can cause:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Problems staying asleep 
• Daytime fatigue
• Waking up tired
• Loud snoring
• Periods of stopped breathing while sleeping
• Frequent movements during sleep or while resting
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Frequent accidents
• Irritability
• Poor work or school performance 

Adults need about 7-9 hours of uninterrupted, high-quality sleep to maximize their health and well-being. Kids and teenagers often need more sleep than adults. More than 100 million Americans say they don’t get adequate amounts of sleep.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Dr. Lowe completes an evaluation to determine if you have a sleep disorder. He reviews your medical history, medications, symptoms, lifestyle, and risk factors. He often recommends you complete a sleep study. 

Things that may increase your chance of sleep disorders include medical conditions, some medications, genetics, shift work, excess weight, substance use, caffeine use, and chronic stress. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are also risk factors. 

How are sleep disorders treated?

Your personalized sleep disorder treatment plan may consist of:

• Lifestyle changes 
• Medical weight loss
• Dietary supplements
• Medication management
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Other forms of psychotherapy
• Light therapy
• Continuous positive airway pressure

Follow up with Dr. Lowe to ensure optimal sleep and an enhanced quality of life. He monitors you over time to ensure lasting success.

Schedule a sleep disorder evaluation at Centered Behavioral Health & Wellness by calling the office or booking online today.