Sleeping disorders affect millions of people in the UK and it can have debilitating effects on the mental well-being of any individual that experiences such condition(s).
The Therapy Company specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders including: insomnia, night terrors, sleep walking, REM sleep behaviour disorders, and more.
Seeking help from a private psychiatrist, just like The Therapy Company, who specialise in sleeping disorders disorders can provide relief and support by taking full advantage of the available treatment options which may or may not be suitable for you.
For more information about private psychiatry for sleep disorders and how we can help, call us today at 01772 440321 or use our online contact form.
Alternatively, read the full blog post to find out more about:
•Diagnosis for sleep disorders
• Treatments for managing symptoms
• Symptoms of sleep disorders and signs you need professional help
Diagnosis For Sleep Disorders
The diagnosis of sleep disorders requires a comprehensive evaluation that considers various factors, including medical history, symptoms, and often specialised testing. Comprehensive diagnosis is paramount to ensure the correct disorder, if any, is diagnosed and that treatment plan can be put in place to manage the associated symptoms.
Here’s an overview of the diagnosis process for sleep disorders:
* There may also be various other stages involved which may include specialised testing, home sleep apnea testing, sleep diaries, and consultations with further specialists*
Initial Assessment– The first step of the process is to undertake an initial assessment so that our professional psychiatrists can gather information about your medical history, underlying medical conditions, medications, any previous treatments. The initial assessment will also cover key questions about your sleep history, as well as reviewing your current symptoms too.
Physical Examination – A physical examination may be conducted to assess for physical signs of sleep disorders, such as obesity, enlarged tonsils, nasal congestion, or anatomical abnormalities that may contribute to sleep apnea. In some cases and scenarios, this is also followed up with screening tools and questionnaires to assess the severity of specific sleep disorders.
Treatment Planning – After undergoing the comprehensive diagnosis, the next stage is treatment planning. This is based on the specific sleep disorder, such as insomnia for example, and your individual needs which will be associated with the diagnosed disorder. Treatment options that we may consider include: medication, CBT, and behavioural interventions.
Psychiatry Treatments For Sleep Disorders
If you’re seeking psychiatry treatments for your sleep disorder, it’s likely that we can provide professional support and treatments. There are a number of potential treatments, that may or not be suitable for you, that include:
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia – This a specialist type of CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy) that is designed to address maladaptive thoughts and behaviours that contribute to insomnia. CBT for insomnia involves several components including: sleep hygiene education, stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction therapy, and encouraging relaxation techniques.
Medication – Psychiatrists may or may not prescribe medication to alleviate or manage symptoms of specific sleeping disorders. Medication is often available for patients experiencing sleep-related breathing disorders, insomnia, or restless leg syndrome. We will always consult with you and undertake all relevant assessments, before suggesting if medication is suitable for you.
Relaxation Techniques – Through counselling or other types of therapies, we may encourage and introduce relaxing techniques. For example, we may promote mindfulness meditation, muscle relaxation, and progressive muscle relaxation. All relaxation techniques introduced can help to promote relaxation before sleep.
Referral to Sleep Specialists – In some cases, we may have to refer to you to further sleep specialists. This may be required if specialised evaluation or treatment is warranted. For example, we may refer you to sleep physicians, neurologists, or pulmonologists if further specialist help is paramount for your on-going effective treatment and management of symptoms.
Symptoms Of Sleep Disorders
There are various types of sleep disorders and therefore, symptoms can vary from person to person.
Here are some common symptoms of sleeping disorders:
Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) – Over a sustained period of time, if you have difficulty falling asleep or you’re experiencing lying awareness for extended periods of time, you may be suffering with insomnia. Further common symptoms here include: inability to fall back to sleep, frequently waking up during the night, and more.
Excessive daytime sleepiness – Another key symptom of potential sleep disorders is if you are experiencing sudden, uncontrollable urges to nap or doze off during waking hours, regardless of the quality or frequency of sleep you have the previous night. Moreover, you may find it’s difficult to stay away from sedentary activities during your day.
Snoring and breathing interruptions – Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders that we diagnose at The Therapy Company. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, it may be time for an appointment with us: loud and disruptive snoring, choking during sleep, shallow and irregular breathing, and feeling fatigued despite adequate sleep.
Why The Therapy Company?
From sleep disorder diagnosis to on-going treatment to help you manage sleep disorder symptoms, we are well-positioned to provide the professional psychiatry support you’re seeking. It’s our mission to guide you on the road to a healthier and happier life. You can expect a compassionate and supportive service from The Therapy Company. Visit our meet the team page here.
Contact Us Today
Looking to get in touch with us today to arrange your initial appointment? For more information, please call us today at 01772 440321. Alternatively, if you prefer to email, use our online contact form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours or less.
