Sleep-Related Issues Specialist

What are sleep-related issues?

Sleep-related issues reduce sleep quantity, quality, or both. Common sleep problems you may encounter that can diminish job functioning, school performance, or interpersonal relationships include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disorders, restless leg syndrome, and high-complexity sleeping problems. 

Dr. DeLuca works with you to develop a highly effective treatment for sleep-related issues to help you get a better night’s rest and reduce unpleasant symptoms of sleep deprivation.

What are common symptoms of sleep-related issues?

Common signs and symptoms associated with sleep disorders include:

• Loud snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Waking up during the night
• Waking up feeling tired
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Dozing off during the day
• Poor performance at work or school
• Falling asleep while driving
• Difficulty concentrating

Ongoing sleep problems can also affect your physical health by increasing your risk of accidents, high blood pressure, obesity, ongoing pain, heart problems, and diabetes.

What are the risk factors for sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders can happen to anyone, but some factors increase your risk of experiencing them. Examples include:

• Family history of sleep disorders
• Being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Taking certain medications
• Alcohol, smoking, or caffeine consumption
• Ongoing stress
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While adopting healthy habits reduces your risk of developing sleep-related issues, you can’t always avoid them. Fortunately, help is within reach at the office of Mark DeLuca, MD.

How does a psychiatrist diagnose sleep-related issues?

To find out if you have sleep-related issues that might benefit from treatment, Dr. DeLuca discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. He asks about your family history of disease, medications you might take, and past diagnoses.

He completes a physical exam, comprehensive psychiatric assessment, and may recommend you undergo blood tests, imaging procedures, or a sleep study.

What are common treatments for sleep-related issues?

Common treatments for sleep disorders or sleep-related issues include:

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do at home to improve sleep quality include setting a regular bedtime routine, sleeping in a cool dark room, eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise. Don’t work out right before bedtime, however.

Allow yourself at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Keep stress levels low, don’t go to bed hungry or too full, and avoid screen time, alcohol, caffeine, and smoking right before bed. Try dietary supplements if Dr. DeLuca recommends doing so.

Medications

Taking medications can improve sleep quality or treat the underlying cause of sleep-related issues.

Psychotherapy

Dr. DeLuca teaches you ways to better manage stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges and get a better night’s rest.

Nighttime breathing devices

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, use a nighttime breathing device, such as supplemental oxygen, an oral appliance, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help you breathe easier and maximize sleep quality.

Don’t suffer through debilitating sleep-related issues when help is within reach. Call Mark DeLuca, MD, to schedule an appointment or book online today.