Insomnia and Sleep Disorder Treatment: General Information about these Conditions, their Symptoms & Treatment Options.
The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates can evaluate, diagnose and treat insomnia and sleep disorders. Workup generally involves a full psychiatric evaluation, including screening for psychiatric and medical illness, and a discussion of other factors that can affect insomnia and sleep, such as sleep hygiene, work schedule, physical activity, medications taken, substance use (including alcohol) and others. The psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists at Rittenhouse Psychiatric may additionally recommend sleep studies, and are happy to collaborate with providers outside of our practice.
What are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality, duration and timing of one’s sleep. Poor sleep can affect not only one’s energy during the day, but their anxiety, mood, focus, social interactions, irritability, work performance, and even increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents or other injuries. There are about 10 different types of sleep disorders, some of which include insomnia disorder, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, breathing related disorders, circadiam rhythm sleep disorders, NREM sleep disorders (such as sleep walking and night terrors), restless leg syndrome (RLS) and others.
Individuals suffering with sleep disorders (or who have distress related to insomnia or other sleep symptoms), often benefit from a full psychiatric and medical evaluation, as many conditions and behaviors can affect sleep, and experts can often help to make a more clear diagnosis and direct proper treatment.
How Common are Sleep Disorders?
They are unfortunately rather common, with insomnia being one of the most common symptoms resulting in adults seeking medical advice. Roughly 10-15% of adults suffer from an insomnia disorder. Insomnia is more common in women than men, and of note, about 50% of individuals suffering from insomnia have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder (such as an anxiety or a mood disorder, such as depression). Obstructive sleep apnea affects roughly 1-2 percent of the general adult male population (OSA is more common in men), but over 8% of men over 65. Sleep walking and night terrors affect roughly 1-5% of the adult population and Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects roughly 2% of adults.
- Insomnia: 10-15% of adults
- Sleep Walking and Night Terrors: 1-5% of adults
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): 2% of adults
- Shiftwork Sleep Disorder: 10-50% of adults who work non-traditional shifts for work.
- Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders: About 3% of adults
What Treatments are Available for Insomnia & Sleep Disorders at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates?
The treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders is complex, and involves a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation, so that a holistic plan can be developed. Treatment may include:
- Psychotherapy, such as CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Insomnia), which has been shown to create a therapeutic and sustained response in about 75% of individuals being treated for Insomnia.
- Medication management of underlying psychiatric conditions (such as anxiety or depression, affecting insomnia and sleep disorders).
- Medication management or supplements for vitamin deficiencies (such as Iron deficiencies), which can affect conditions such as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Our providers may coordinate with your primary care provider).
- Medication management for insomnia and sleep disorders, such as:
- Melatonin receptor agonists: Melatonin, Rozarem (Ramelteon)
- Orexin receptor agonists: Belsomra (Suvorexant), Quviviq (Daridorexant)
- Antidepressants (often used for safety profile and limited abuse potential): Trazodone, Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Remeron (Mirtazepine).
- Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (Eszopiclone), Sonata (Zaleplon), Restoril (Temazepam)
- Others: Medications such as Gabapentin, Seroquel (Quetiapine) and others may be utilized particularly if the patient has a secondary psychiatric illness that can be treated with the agent (for example, utilizing Seroquel for a patient with bipolar affective disorder and insomnia).
- Medications for Shift Work Disorders include:
- Provigil (Modafinil)
- Nuvigil (Armodafinil)
* Many factors go into whether a medication is appropriate for any individual patient. These factors include risks for abuse & dependence, for some of the aforementioned treatments for insomnia. Your provider will work with you, to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for your care.
A Note on Breathing Related Disorders, such as Sleep Apnea
- Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates does not perform sleep studies, but can collaborate with providers at your local sleep lab, or make recommendations, as part of your workup.
Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for the Treatment of your Insomnia or Sleep Disorder?
- 25 Academically oriented Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners and Psychologists who trained at Institutes such as The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
- In-office and Virtual Telehealth Appointments within 1-2 weeks.
- Evidenced-based and holistic care, which may or may not include medication management. We work with our patients to create an individualized plan that meets your specific needs and preferences for the treatment of Insomnia or your Sleep Disorder.
- Providers licensed in PA, NJ, DE, NY, FL, CA and others. Office locations in Philadelphia, on The Main Line, Pittsburgh, Manhattan, Wilmington, DE and others.
Schedule with Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for Insomnia and Sleep Disorder Evaluation, Diagnosis, Medication Management & Therapy.
Call Now: 267-358-6155 x 1
Scheduling@RittenhousePA.com
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