Sleep Disorders

Frank Adair, MD

Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist located in Palo Alto, CA

If you wish there was an alternative treatment to medication for your sleep disorder, integrative psychiatrist Frank Adair, MD, may have your solution. Dr. Adair uses functional medicine and alternative therapies to treat adults with sleep disorders at his private practice in Palo Alto, California. To learn more, call the office today.

Sleep Disorders Q&A

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quality or amount of your sleep. About 70 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder, including:

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia can be short-term (acute), lasting from one night to a few weeks, or it can be long-term (chronic).

Sleep Apnia

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious medical condition that causes your breathing to stop and start again repeatedly while you sleep. There are different types of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological condition that affects the way your brain controls sleep cycles. This condition causes episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness called sleep attacks.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a sleep movement disorder that causes uncomfortable sensations in your legs. You may feel an intense urge to move your legs to relieve this discomfort.

How much sleep do I need?

Adults age 26-64 need an average of seven to nine hours of sleep per night, though this varies from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30% of American adults get fewer than six hours of sleep every night.

How does lack of sleep affect my health?

Sleep is essential to your physical and mental health. Not getting enough quality sleep can have several health consequences, including:

Decreased energy
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Poor decision-making
Increased risk of health problems, such as heart disease

Lack of sleep may also exacerbate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Having anxiety or depression can also lead to sleep problems.

How are sleep disorders treated?

Many doctors rely on medications to treat sleep disorders, but Dr. Adair employs a variety of alternative treatments. Although you may find medications helpful, Dr. Adair never insists that you need to take them.

If you take medication to help you sleep and want to get off of them, Dr. Adair may be able to help. He teaches you sleep hygiene practices to facilitate healthy, quality sleep.

He also uses functional medicine practices, such as lifestyle changes, exercise, and nutrition, to help you sleep better.

To improve your sleep naturally, call Frank Adair, MD today.