Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are disturbances in sleep patterns. They involve difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, excessive daytime tiredness, irregular breathing during sleep, or abnormal sleep behaviors. Sleep disorders may develop as a result of changes in the neurotransmitters of the brain, taking certain medications (such as corticosteroids), illness, stress, anxiety, depression, excessive caffeine or alcohol, or drug use. A sleep disorder can interfere with daily activities, and affect overall health and quality of life. When accurately diagnosed, however, most sleep disorders can be effectively treated.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders, depending on their symptoms, are divided into two categories that may require differing treatments.
Dyssomnias
Dyssomnias result in difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and are characterized by excessive sleepiness and disturbances in the amount or quality of sleep. Common dyssomnias include:
- Insomnia
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)
- Narcolepsy (brief attacks of deep sleep)
Dyssomnias often result in fatigue or mental confusion during the day.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias, on the other hand, involve abnormal movements, behaviors or emotional outbursts. These may include
- Sleepwalking
- Nightmares
- Restless legs syndrome
- REM sleep behavior disorder
- Sleep aggression
- Sleep-related eating disorder
- Sexsomnia (sexual activity while asleep)
- Bruxism (tooth grinding)
- Enuresis (bedwetting)
Although patients with parasomnias may appear agitated or distressed during sleep, these disorders are no longer necessarily considered evidence of psychiatric disturbance. Instead, they are understood as abnormal neurological transitions between REM sleep, non-REM sleep, and wakefulness.
Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders
In order to diagnose a sleep disorder, doctors typically perform a full physical examination and may take blood tests to rule out underlying disease conditions. The patient is then admitted to a sleep clinic where various bodily functions, including respiration, brain waves, eye movements and heartbeat are measured and recorded.
Treatment of Sleep Disorders
Based on causes and symptoms, there are different options available for treatment of sleep disorders. Some sleep disorders respond well to simple remedies, such as:
- Following a consistent bedtime routine
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding caffeine, nicotine and excessive alcohol
- Keeping the bedroom at a cool temperature
- Limiting bedroom activities to sex and sleep
Relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy or light therapy may be helpful for some patients. Other possible treatments for sleep disorders include medications such as benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) and anti-convulsants. In some situations, support groups for individuals with sleep disorders may also be of assistance.
Additional Resources
Featured Services
Medication
Management
Psychiatric medications are invaluable in achieving recovery from mental illness and safe treatment of symptoms. Our practice offers comprehensive medication management delivered by board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Our clinicians utilize a holistic approach that incorporates in depth knowledge of how pre-existing medical conditions can influence and trigger psychiatric symptoms. The decision to begin medication management is a combined effort between the Provider and the individual patient.
Therapist
Referrals
Our board certified Nurse Practitioners work with a select group of well experienced Licensed Therapists in the Las Vegas area. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, the patient and the Provider will determine if therapy could offer solutions to the current situation. Therapy can include individual, group or family for adults and children. Finding the right Licensed Therapist for your individual needs is very important. The Therapy referrals available at Mighty Mental Health will ensure that every available tool is being utilized to help reach each patient’s goal.
ADHD Testing and
Treatment
Our office offers both in office and online ADHD Testing for both children and adults. Our board certified Nurse Practitioners are trained to administer the tests and discuss the results with the patients and family. Testing is a great tool for Providers to use to help determine the best treatment plan for all patients. Our office uses the state of the art software created by QbCheck to help diagnose and track our ADHD patients.
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2685 South Rainbow Blvd
Suite 206
Las Vegas, NV 89146
- 702-479-1600
- Fax 702-479-1993
- OFFICE HOURS
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