Sleep disorders can have a significant negative impact on our mental health. We may feel exhausted and foggy-brained during the day, making it difficult to focus and engage in day-to-day activities. Additionally, we may struggle to enjoy leisure activities or socialize with friends and family members. At Connections Wellness Group, we look at the relationship between physical and mental health, and our experts are here to help.
What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are medical conditions that cause disruptions in our ability to get the sleep we need. These can include difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep, snoring, waking up feeling unrefreshed or with a headache, daytime fatigue, or napping during the day when it is not wanted. The most common types of sleep disorders include:
- Insomnia – Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder and involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This can lead to waking up feeling exhausted and struggling to focus during the day.
- Narcolepsy – Narcolepsy is a rare condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and an inability to enter a deep sleep.
- Restless leg syndrome – Restless leg syndrome is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs while at rest and can make it difficult to stay asleep.
- Sleep apnea – Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime fatigue.
We understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, and our team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve the healthy, restful sleep they need to function their best each day.
Sleep Disorder Treatments Through PHP/IOP
There are several types of sleep disorder treatment available through our accelerated group therapy programs—PHP and IOP. These are some of the most effective:
Medication
In some cases, medication can be used to treat sleep disorders. There are several types of medications that can be used to help people get better quality sleep, including sedatives, hypnotics, and antipsychotics. However, it is important to note that these medications should only be taken under the direction of a medical professional. Additionally, these medications may have unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, and more. Therefore it is essential to speak with a doctor before taking any medication for your sleep disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that has been shown to be highly effective in treating both primary and secondary insomnia symptoms. CBT focuses on identifying maladaptive thought patterns related to sleep and replacing them with healthier beliefs about restful sleep habits by using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation. In addition to helping people get better quality sleep at night, CBT helps individuals identify triggers for their insomnia symptoms so they can address them more effectively in the future.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to healthy habits related to sleeping better at night, such as avoiding caffeine late in the day or keeping your bedroom cool and dark while trying to fall asleep. These habits can help individuals get better quality rest at night by creating an environment that promotes peaceful slumber rather than encourages wakefulness or disruption of normal circadian rhythms (our internal body clock). It’s also essential to make sure you practice good “sleep hygiene” by going to bed and waking up around the same time each day so you can keep your body clock regulated properly throughout the weekdays/weekends!
Discover Treatment for Sleep Disorders at Connections Wellness Group
Connections Wellness Group is focused on improving your mental health through improved quality of restful nights’ sleep. Reach out today if you’re ready to take back control over your days through healthier sleeping.