Sleep disorders (sometimes called sleep-wake disorders) are associated with difficulties and dissatisfaction regarding the quality, timing, and amount of sleep. Such challenges, including delayed sleep onset and hour sleep, can result in daytime distress, fatigue, and impairment in day-to-day functioning.

 If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have a sleep disorder:

• Frequent trouble sleeping

• Difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep

• Frequent awakenings and/or problems returning to sleep

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue, despite having sufficient sleep the night before

How common are sleep disorders?

One in five Australians are estimated to be affected by a major sleep disorder.  

How much sleep is required?

Experts recommend that adults sleep at least seven to nine hours per night; however, some people require more and some require less.

What are the effects of lack of sleep?

Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can have effects including:

1. Daytime sleepiness and fatigue

2. Poor attention, memory and concentration

3. Irritability, low mood or other mood disturbances

4. Impaired reaction times and poor physical coordination

Some sleep disorders, such as insomnia, have also been found to be risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, according to Pubmed article. Sleep difficulties have also been found to be associated with other health issues, including migraines and diabetes.

Research has also suggested a link between sleep difficulties, increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity at work.

Sleepiness makes it hard to think, which can cause problems with learning and memory in children and adults of all ages, along with mood disturbances. .

People who don't get enough sleep can have trouble making decisions and performing tasks and have slower reaction times. These issues may be related to the increased rates of accidents in individuals with sleep disorders and patients.

 How many kinds of sleep problems are there?

According to the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders), there are 10 sleep-wake disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy.

Related Article: Worry And Generalised Anxiety

How are sleeping disorders identified?

Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare physician if you have a sleep issue. They can undertake a physical assessment and assist you in identifying sleep problems. Keeping a sleep journal for two weeks may be beneficial to your doctor. Because several illnesses can cause sleep disturbances, your doctor may conduct testing to rule out other conditions.

If your doctor believes you have a sleep disorder, they may recommend you to a sleep disorder clinic. A sleep specialist can then examine your symptoms and may advise you to undergo a sleep study. 

A sleep study, such as a polysomnogram (PSG), is a test that transmits and records particular physical activities while you sleep. For some patients, a sleep study can be performed at home (home sleep apnoea testing). The recordings are converted into data, which is then examined by a skilled healthcare expert to assess whether you have a sleep issue.

It is helpful for patients to pay attention to their sleep habits by maintaining a sleep diary and discussing patterns and characteristics of their sleep with their healthcare physician to establish if they have a sleep problem. Good evidence suggests that some common sleep issues can be managed with behavioural interventions and sleep hygiene strategies. If you have any worries about your sleeping habits, talk to your doctor.

Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle

Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma. 

Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.

Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who have experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings. 

She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).

Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders. 

She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.

Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.

Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health, treating adults with various mental health issues. 

Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.

Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.

Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.

Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.