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Virtually all mental health disorders and behavioral conditions, associated with sleep disruption, are co-dependant conditions that are fueled by one another, often impairing one’s quality of life. Mental health disorders are often associated with:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Abnormal circadian sleep patterns
- Disturbing dreams and nightmares
- Chronic Insomina
The role of behavioral health providers in the management of sleep disorders is ever-increasing, considering that sleep disturbances may worsen or be the underlying cause of many mental health disorders. The importance of quality and quantity of sleep for health is becoming more widely recognized in adults, and is additionally becoming a significant aspect of behavioral problems in children as well.
Click here for a downloadable brochure on Mental Health Conditions & Sleep Disorders
Treatment
The main focus in treating sleep problems is to first diagnose and treat the underlying behavioral condition(s). A full clinical assessment will be performed by a mental health provider or sleep specialist that includes an evaluation of symptoms, identification of other medical conditions and a review of all medications. If a sleep disorder is suspected, an overnight sleep study will be recommended. WHATS THIS?
The results of the sleep study may lead to the following treatment options:
- Change in medication dosage
- Change in lifestyle or behavioral modifications
- Use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device to treat sleep apnea (CPAP)
- Dental appliance
- Surgical Procedure
- Improved sleep hygiene
Click here for additional information on treatment options for sleep disorders
Proper treatment results in quality sleep, which in turn improves an individual’s:
- Energy level
- Mental functioning
- Memory
- Mood
- Overall quality of life
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Common Mental Health Disorders
Depression
Sleep disorders are a common symptom of depression and other mood disorders. Sleep disruption is one of the symptoms used to determine whether or not someone may be suffering from depression. Sleep disruption is often the first sign associated with depression and can enhance or worsen manic depressive symptoms as well. Sleep disturbances can be an early debilitating symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. By treating depression effectively, through antidepressants or therapy, it enables those suffering from depression to sleep better, bringing significant relief and helping them cope with their illness.
Anxiety
When suffering from an anxiety disorder, a person may obsess to the point where they experience nightmares regularly as well as chronic insomnia.
Anxiety is frequently associated with:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty initiating/maintaining sleep
- Muscle tension
Stress
Stress is often considered the most common cause of a short-term sleep disturbance. Sleep problems cause by stressful situations tend to disappear after the stressful event has been resolved.
Individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have a high incidence of dream disturbances and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) during sleep.
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and is more commonly found in women, older adults, shift workers and people with medical or mental health conditions.
Insomnia affects about 64 million Americans either acutely or chronically and is most likely caused by mental health disorders and behavioral conditions. Evidence is beginning to suggest that primary insomnia is a risk factor for developing a psychiatric condition such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse disorder.
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Effects in Children
Chronic sleep disorders in children may be attributed to hyperactivity or attention deficit disorders, while in fact, in 30-40% of children, treating sleep problems may be enough to eliminate behavioral issues. Children that suffer from sleep disorders may exhibit the following daytime behaviors:
- Difficulty Focusing in School
- Difficulty Controlling Impulses and Emotions
- Tiredness
- Easy Frustration
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
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