Sleep Disorders encompass a variety of conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration. Common disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Key Points:
- Impacts on Mental Health: Poor sleep can exacerbate depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems; conversely, many mental health conditions disrupt sleep.
- Assessment: May involve sleep studies (polysomnography), sleep diaries, or actigraphy.
- Treatment Options: Improved sleep hygiene, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), CPAP for sleep apnea, medications, and lifestyle changes (regular exercise, limited caffeine).
- Consequences if Untreated: Increased risk of accidents, cardiovascular issues, impaired memory, and worsened emotional regulation.
