Treating sleep disorders improves quality of life

Sleep. We all need it to function. When you don’t get enough sleep, you may have bigger problems than just being tired. Your mental health, mental processing, and daily functions may be negatively impacted.

‍What are sleep disorders?

If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, irregular breathing, or increased movement during sleep, then you may suffer from a sleep disorder. Some of the most common sleep disorders include: 

  • Insomnia: when you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Sleep apnea: breathing problems where someone often stops and starts breathing while asleep
  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS): you often experience a prickling or burning sensation in your legs and have a strong urge to move your legs 
  • Narcolepsy: those who suffer from this disorder often experience extreme sleepiness and often fall asleep suddenly during the day

Mental Health

Studies have shown a strong link between insomnia and depression. Statistics show that ⅓ of American adults suffer from insomnia at some point during their life. It is important to address the issues that are preventing your sleep for the benefit of your mental health. Lack of sleep has been proven to be linked to depression. If you have a pattern of poor sleep, this can also be a symptom of depression. The two often go hand-in-hand. 

‍Treatment

To initiate a diagnosis, a healthcare provider will evaluate your medical history, sleep history, and complete a physical exam. When needed a sleep study also known as a polysomnogram will be conducted to understand how you are sleeping and how your body is functioning during nighttime hours.  

Once a sleep disorder is properly diagnosed, doctors can treat the symptoms to help a patient regain quality sleep. Treatments include: surgery options, minor procedures, and medications. Addressing the issues will provide improved quality of life as patients are able to be more alert and more present in their lives. 

For a diagnosis and customized treatment plan, please reach out to Healthstar Physicians. Our Sleep Specialists can diagnose sleep disorders and disturbances. We can help you better understand and manage your difficulties with sleep.

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