Treating Sleep Disorders Improves Mental Health
A recent study suggests that the treatment of sleep disorders has been connected with progress in the treatment of those with beginning symptoms for comorbid psychiatric problems. Study researcher Dr. Umesh Vyas further stated that subsequent researches should be made to further substantiate the implication. The findings of the study were presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting.
In the study, Dr. Vyas stressed that sleep is needed for the body as well as for mental and emotional health. He said that it is shown that sleep disorders often occur simultaneously with psychiatric problems like depression. However, the direct link of sleep disorders and depression has not yet been concretely established. According to Dr. Vyas, there can be a bidirectional connection meaning either condition present can increase incidence of the other. He stated that 40% of patients with some psychiatric handicap had insomnia as well.
Sleep apnea was the most common sleep disorder on the research made by Dr. Vyas and 46.2% had comorbid psychiatric problems. Another doctor, Abid Malik made a hypothesis that sleep disturbances, especially REM sleep problems, can be a reason for anxiety cases. Dr. Malik has been studying how biological biomarkers can cause mental illnesses for a long time.
The medical director of Holliswood Hospital, New York City and chair of the APA Council on Communications, Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, made a comment that it is vital to note that some cases of psychiatric disorders also have sleep disorders involved. He said that psychiatrists and doctors should be sensitive to this once a patient complains of not getting enough sleep due to disruptions. Treatment can include those for sleep disorders also. Sleep is now stressed as a vital body and mental need that should not be discounted when there is an issue on this with the patient.
Dr. Borenstein stated that there is stress factors that can affect both psychiatric condition and one of these is the lack of quality sleep. He said that the presentations made during the annual APA meeting had 2 studies which targeted the issues of sleep. Awareness of this very crucial issue is important. The diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders can assist in the handling of psychiatric conditions. The annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association was held in the first week of May, 2012.s held in the first week of May, 2012.
