Sleep disturbances - Hormone Harmony Clinic

What is sleep disturbances?

Sleep is a vital part of good health and well-being. However, many people suffer from sleep disturbances that prevent them from getting the rest they need. Sleep disturbances is an umbrella term that refers to any conditions or factors that disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Some common types of sleep disturbances include:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep. This can stem from stress, anxiety, medications, or other health issues.
• Sleep apnea: Brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen levels. This results in frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality.
• Restless leg syndrome: Unpleasant sensations and urge to move the legs, making it hard to relax for sleep.
• Circadian rhythm disorders: When your internal body clock is out of sync with day-night cycles. This includes jet lag and shift work disorder.

Sleep disturbances can have major impacts on your health, focus, productivity and mood. Even short-term disrupted sleep increases your risk for:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Depression

If you struggle with achieving healthy, restorative sleep, the hormone specialists at Hormone Harmony Clinic can help identify potential underlying causes. Our personalized treatment plans address hormonal imbalances that could contribute to your sleep problems. Schedule a consultation today to discuss treatment options like bioidentical hormone therapy.

What causes sleep disturbances?

Sleep disturbances have many possible causes, including:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Medications
• Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine
• Chronic pain
• Sleep disorders
• Hormonal changes

Imbalances in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and melatonin often disrupt normal sleep-wake cycles. The integrative medicine providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic specialize in using bioidentical hormone therapy to correct hormonal imbalances, which may improve sleep.

How are sleep disturbances diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing the root cause of sleep disturbances involves evaluating medical history and sleep patterns/environment. Common diagnostic tests include:

• Sleep studies (polysomnography)
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Sleep logs

Treatment depends on the underlying reason for the sleep disorder:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy may help with insomnia related to thoughts/behaviours preventing sleep.
• Sleep hygiene techniques like limiting blue light exposure in the evenings, establishing a relaxing pre-bed routine.
• Addressing underlying health issues or adjusting medications if they are interfering with sleep
• Bioidentical hormone therapy to correct hormonal imbalances

The experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic create fully personalized treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Schedule a consultation today to explore options for improving your sleep!