Sleep Disorders

Not getting enough high-quality sleep affects your physical and emotional well-being. Angela Harvey, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, at A1 Medical & Behavioral Health in St. Petersburg, Florida, specializes in managing sleep disorders. She takes a holistic approach to mental health, customizing plans that improve your sleep condition. Find out more about sleep disorder treatment by calling or scheduling your in-office or telemedicine appointment online today. 

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt your normal sleeping habits. Your body needs a certain amount of sleep in order to recover from the day and prepare for the next. Not getting enough sleep disrupts this process, making it hard for you to function normally.

Many people with mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suffer from sleep disorders. Treating your sleep disorder benefits your mental well-being.

What are types of sleep disorders?

There are more than 80 sleep disorders. Some of the more common include:

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. 

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which a person stops and restarts breathing several times throughout the night. 

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcolepsy is a type of hypersomnia in which people fall asleep unexpectedly.

Parasomnia

Parasomnia refers to unusual activities during sleep, like eating or walking in your sleep. 

Nightmare disorder

Nightmare disorder causes recurrent and lengthy dreams that involve efforts to avoid danger. 

When should I seek help for sleep disorders?

If you have a change in your normal sleep routine or other unusual sleep habits that affect how you function during the day, you need to schedule a consultation at A1 Medical & Behavioral Health. 

Without proper treatment, sleep disorders may lead to other problems such as irritability or difficulty concentrating. Not getting an adequate amount of sleep also increases your risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

Mrs. Harvey conducts a thorough evaluation in order to find the root cause of your sleep disorder. She may also administer various tests to better understand how you think, feel, and behave. These tests also help her confirm or rule out co-occuring mental health conditions.

What are the treatments for sleep disorders?

At A1 Medical & Behavioral Health, Mrs. Harvey customizes your sleep disorder treatment plan based on the type of sleep disorder you have and underlying conditions. Your plan may include:

• Creating a healthy sleep routine
• Engaging in relaxation activities
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness or meditation
• Medication management for psychiatric conditions
• Nutritional supplements

If appropriate, Mrs. Harvey may prescribe medications that help with sleep. However, she only prescribes these for a short period of time.

Sleep disorders affect how you think, feel, and behave. For help, call A1 Medical & Behavioral Health or schedule your consultation online today.