Sleep Disorder

Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to get a restful night's sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and cognitive impairment. Common sleep disorders include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy.

 

As a neuropsychiatrist, Dr. Narinder Pruthi specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders that have a neurological or psychological origin, helping patients regain healthy sleep patterns and improve their overall well-being.

Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

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It can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, or other underlying medical conditions. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often due to airway obstruction. This can lead to poor-quality sleep and increases the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke. Restless leg syndrome involves uncomfortable sensations in the legs, leading to an uncontrollable urge to move them, while narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.

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Dr. Pruthi begins by conducting a thorough sleep evaluation, which may include a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor brain activity, breathing patterns, and other vital signs during sleep. In some cases, psychological assessments are also conducted to determine if conditions like anxiety or depression are contributing to the sleep disorder.

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Treatment for sleep disorders is highly individualized and depends on the specific diagnosis. For insomnia, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective, helping patients develop better sleep hygiene and address negative thought patterns that contribute to sleeplessness. Medications, such as sleep aids or anti-anxiety drugs, may also be prescribed. For sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment, keeping the airway open during sleep. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss and exercise, are also encouraged to improve overall sleep quality.

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Dr. Pruthi integrates a comprehensive approach, combining medical interventions with psychological support to address both the physical and emotional aspects of sleep disorders, helping patients achieve restorative sleep and improve their overall quality of life.