Sleep disorders

Guide

Sleep disorders (or sleep-wake disorders) involve problems with the quality, timing and amount of sleep.

Types of sleep disorders?

Depression may cause difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning. While many people with depression may also suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness and hypersomnia, which is sleeping too much.

Many anxiety disorders are associated with difficulties sleeping. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is frequently associated with poor sleep due to thoughts and behaviours associated with OCD i.e. compulsive acts or leaving your sleep environment to reassure yourself. Panic attacks during sleep may suggest a panic disorder. Poor sleep resulting from hyperarousal and repetitive nightmares may be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In people with bipolar disorder, sleep patterns change considerably depending on their emotional state. During manic periods, they usually feel less need to sleep, but during depressed periods, they may sleep excessively.

Sleeping problems are common in people with ADHD. They may have difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Rates of other sleeping problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome (RLS) also appear to be higher in people with ADHD.

Good sleep habits

Aim to get to bed and wake up around the same time each day
Turn off your screens
Aim to be outside for 30 minutes
Try to limit how much caffeine you have
Avoid drinking alcohol before bed
Exercising during the day
Your bedroom should be dark, cool (around 16-18°C) and quiet
Sleep medications are not usually required to help with sleep problems

If symptoms of depression are severe, last for two weeks or more, and affect your functioning at home or at work, please book an appointment with Virtu.