sleep disorders

Insomnia

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, night terrors, or nightmare disorder affect about 50% of adults at some point in their lifetimes. Generally speaking, we are supposed to spend 1/3rd of our lives asleep, or 8 hours per night (on average). Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder overall and with such a large portion of our lives dedicated to sleep, it is easy to see why if sleep is off… everything else is off. More simply put, if you make all of your stress and troubles go away, but they for one reason or another, you’re awake all night. You can bet the next day won’t go well !

How Do I know if I really have Insomnia ?

Insomnia symptoms typically present in one of three ways: #1 Difficulty falling asleep (sleep initiation). #2 Difficulty staying asleep (sleep maintenance). #3 Combination of difficulties in the areas both areas of sleep initiation and sleep maintenance. If you notice consistent difficulties which your sleep-wake cycle with associated next-day fatigue, low energy or poor work performance, chances are you have some type of sleep disorder. Once these symptoms start to interfere with your life, you may want to consult with a psychiatrist who can help you understand your symptoms and decide if you need treatment.

Do sleep Problems have to be treated with medications ?

Not Necessarily. The first step in the management of sleep disorders is a comprehensive overview of ‘Sleep Hygiene.’ Sleep hygiene involves taking all the measures necessary to improve sleep in absence of medications. Examples of these measures lifestyle reductions, such as limiting caffeine intake, eliminating daytime napping, or not watching television before bed. Some sleep hygiene includes addition of particular habits, such as implementing an exercise routine in the mornings, reading before bedtime, or meditation. Of note, sometimes other conditions such as anxiety, adhd & ocd, or medications are the origin of the sleep ailment.

What Medications can be used to treat sleep Disorders ?

Good sleep hygiene, may only be part of the solution. If insomnia persists, medication options may be considered for the next best step in the management. Usually, sleep medications are prescribed on an as needed basis. Examples of sleep medication include Ambien (or zolpidem), Restoril, Sonata (or zaleplon), Lunesta (or eszopiclone) Belsomra, and Rozerem.

What If my issue is Nightmares ?

Nightmares may present in various forms. A nightmare is typically thought of an a bad dream that is remembered shortly after an individual awakens. Sleep terrors are when an individual screams or thrashes while asleep, and they may not waken until morning, or remember the event at all. Treatments are available for these types of sleep disorders as well.