05 Jun How Can Sleep Problems Can Impact Our Functioning & Activities of Daily Living?
Sleep Therapists Melbourne: A Psychologists Perspective
Being tired and not sleeping well disrupts genes that govern circadian rhythm, effectively reducing your ability to perform a task. The lack of sleep reduces activity in your hippocampus – the memory centre of the brain. Research has also shown lack of sleep affects memory and the ability to retain information.
What are the different sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are found to affect sleep quality, timing, and duration and impact an individual’s ability to properly function while they are awake. Experiencing a sleep disorder can contribute to other medical problems, and be known symptoms of underlying mental health issues.
What are the most researched sleep disorders?
- Insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Restless leg syndrome
- Parasomnias
- REM sleep behaviour disorder
What are the common symptoms and consequences of sleep disorders on a person’s life?
Most sleep disorders can be characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulties falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early
- Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Irritability, depression or anxiety
- Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering
- Increased error tap or accidents
- Ongoing worries about sleep
How a sleep therapist can help?
The first step towards restoring restful sleep would include changing your sleep habits and addressing any issues that may be associated with sleeping difficulties including stress, medical conditions and/or medications. Should these measures not work, your doctor may recommend a suitable sleep therapist in Melbourne or your local area who is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The doctor may also explore other treatment approaches such as medications or both, to help improve relaxation and sleep. Reach out to a sleep psychologist or sleep therapist in Melbourne who can support you with your sleeping difficulties today.
How can a psychologist experienced in the treatment of sleep disorders help?
An experienced sleep psychologist at Positive Wellbeing Psychology, competent in the treatment of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help individuals control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep them awake. CBT-I is a proven treatment approach generally recommended as the first line of treatment for individuals diagnosed with insomnia. CBT-I is as effective or in some instances more effective than sleep medications.