Sleep Problems

When you can’t sleep well at night, your sharpness, energy, and mood suffer during the day. Sleep problems can be a symptom of mental health issues and can also exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Claudia Porter, APRN, PMHNP-BC, helps new and existing patients to sleep better from her practice at Porter Elite Care Services in Stuart, Florida. To schedule your initial consultation appointment with Claudia and learn how you can address your sleep problems, call now. You can also book an appointment online.

How are sleep problems defined?

Healthy and regular sleep is essential for your health. Your body needs an average of at least eight hours of rest every 24 hours. When you sleep, your brain goes through a cycle of resting states. Completing full sleep cycles are necessary for high-quality rest.

Sleep problems include any significant or lasting disruption to your healthy rest. While it’s normal to sleep poorly sometimes, chronic sleep problems need to be addressed.

Are there different types of sleep problems?

Your rest could be disrupted in several ways.

Insomnia

If you have insomnia, it’s difficult or impossible to fall asleep at night, to stay asleep, or sleep long enough to feel rested. Insomnia is defined as an inability to get the amount of sleep you need for healthy function. Chronic insomnia lasting for three weeks or longer can result in a significant sleep deficit over time.

Nightmares

Mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder, can result in nightmares that cause you to wake, disrupting your sleep and emotional equilibrium.

All of these types of sleep problems can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health.

What are the health consequences of sleep problems?

Your body needs the rest provided by sleep to stay healthy. That’s true of both your physical and mental health.

Without enough rest, your physical health suffers. You may be more prone to illness and injury or become physically run-down after long-term sleep disruption.

Poor sleep can also be a contributing factor to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. Problems sleeping are a symptom of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. The link between sleep and mental health is correlated.

How can you treat sleep problems?

You and Claudia Porter can create a treatment plan to address your sleep problems and improve your rest.

First steps are identifying any related mental or physical health concerns and improving sleep hygiene. If you continue to experience sleep problems, Claudia can recommend relaxation techniques, medications, anti-insomnia exercise plans,  and more.

To find a sleep management plan that will work for you, contact Claudia at Porter Elite Care Services now. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone today.