Sleep Disorders

Frequent poor sleep affects your ability to work, function, and think clearly. Whether you struggle to fall or stay asleep, KAB Medical Group Inc. in San Diego, Hollywood, and Chula Vista, California offers an array of treatments to help you get a good night’s rest. The team specializes in treating insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, and more. Call KAB Medical Group Inc. or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are problems with the amount or quality of sleep you get each night. Over time, sleep disorders can affect your ability to function during the day and exacerbate physical and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

Are there different types of sleep disorders?

There are many different types of sleep disorders that KMG Psychiatry treats, including:

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up way too early every morning. About one in three people in the United States experiences poor sleep at least once a week.

In general, insomnia is a sign of an underlying problem, such as anxiety or depression, stress, poor diet, or lifestyle habits.

Sleep-disordered breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing commonly refers to sleep apnea, a condition that affects your ability to breathe normally at night. If you have sleep apnea, you may stop and start breathing up to 100 times or more in a single night.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a serious sleep disorder characterized by extreme daytime fatigue and sudden attacks of sleep. What makes narcolepsy frightening is that an attack of sleep can happen at any time, even when you’re driving. Many people with narcolepsy experience sudden loss of muscle tone and sleep paralysis.

Other conditions associated with sleep quality include depression, anxiety, alcohol addiction, and bipolar disorder.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

A comprehensive physical exam is needed to properly diagnose certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy. 

For a narcolepsy diagnosis, you may also need a polysomnogram and sleep latency tests, in addition to sleep disorder questionnaires such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which measures daytime sleepiness.

How are sleep disorders treated?

Once you have the right diagnosis, KMG Psychiatry creates a treatment plan for your sleep disorder. This treatment may include:

Therapy

KMG Psychiatry recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may prevent you from falling or staying asleep. CBT is especially helpful if you suffer from insomnia, whether or not your sleep problems stem from an underlying issue such as depression or anxiety. Because CBT doesn’t have the side effects that medications have, it can provide lasting relief to your sleep concerns.

Medication

The type of medication you use depends on your sleep disorder. If you suffer from narcolepsy or sleep apnea, KMG Psychiatry may recommend modafinil, which helps minimize daytime sleepiness. Meanwhile, certain antidepressants can help you fall and stay asleep if you have insomnia. When combined with routine therapy, medication can help improve your sleep quality.

If you’re tired of feeling groggy and zoned out during the day, call KMG Psychiatry or book an appointment online for lasting relief from your sleep disorder.