Sleep Disorders

The American Sleep Association reports that 50-70 million American adults have a sleep disorder. Fortunately, Michelle Mottern, PMHNP, FNP, and the expert team at Mosaic Brain Health in St. Petersburg, Florida, can help you get better sleep and improve your daily life. They offer treatment options like medications, therapy, and lifestyle guidance. To learn more, call the practice today or use the convenient online scheduling tool.

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders involve problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep you get. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder —  approximately 30% of American adults have symptoms of insomnia. 

Other sleep disorders include narcolepsy, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and parasomnias like sleepwalking, sleep terrors, sleep talking, and sleep paralysis.

Sleep disorders can frequently coincide with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How do I know if I have a sleep disorder? 

How much sleep you need varies from person to person, but the National Sleep Foundation recommends most adults need 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night. 

Symptoms of sleep disorders include:

• Trouble falling asleep 
• Issues staying asleep 
• Restlessness while sleeping 
• Unusual breathing patterns while sleeping
• Feeling frozen when you wake up
• Daytime sleepiness 
• Frequent naps 
• Trouble focusing 
• Irritability 
• Decreased energy
• Mood swings 

Lack of sleep can increase your risk of accidents or poor performance at work or school and elevate your risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, and substance use disorders. 

How are sleep disorders treated? 

A member of the Mosaic Brain Health team conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation before developing a treatment plan for you. Existing mental health conditions may be causing your sleep disorder, or lack of sleep may be worsening those conditions. 

A sleep diary may help your provider identify how long and how well you’re sleeping and detect a specific sleep problem.

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a successful targeted intervention option that usually lasts 4-8 sessions. Your provider uses CBT-I to address the emotional and physical triggers that cause or worsen your sleep disorder.  

Medications 

You may benefit from sleep aids like melatonin, Sonata®, or Ambien®. Benzodiazepines like Xanax® and Valium® may be helpful, but with short-term usage, as they have addictive qualities.   

If you have narcolepsy, your provider may encourage wake-promoting medications or stimulants. A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine may help if you have sleep apnea.

Lifestyle changes

The team may recommend creating a comfortable sleeping environment, establishing a regular bedtime routine, and avoiding screen time before sleeping. Reducing daily stress and exercising regularly may also help you get a better night’s rest.

For an expert diagnosis and treatment for your sleeping disorder, call Mosaic Brain Health today or use the online booking tool.