Understanding Sleep Deprivation: Conditions, Prevalence, and Treatment

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

Sleep Insomnia Nightmares Evidence-Based Psychotherapy

Posted: March 11, 2025

Despite his best intentions to get a good night's rest, "Charlie" frequently ends up sacrificing sleep, convinced that one more episode on his favorite streaming service or another scroll through social media won't hurt. The fatigue begins to creep in, manifesting as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an overwhelming sense of heaviness during the day. Yet, Charlie brushes off these symptoms, attributing them to the hustle of life and the need to balance work and family. Little does he know that this cycle of sleep deprivation could lead to more serious health issues over time.

Sleep Problems...Symptom or Disorder?

By Misti Norton, Ph.D.

Sleep

Posted: February 1, 2025

Are sleep problems a symptom or an independent disorder? They can be both! Sleep challenges are a component of many disorders. Indeed, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5th addition (DSM-V) lists disturbed sleep as a symptom of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Although sleep problems are not an explicit symptom of disorders such as OCD, ADHD, and autism, clients with these diagnoses frequently report that their sleep is poor. If low-quality sleep is a symptom, will treating depression, anxiety, or PTSD also fix sleep? In many cases, sleep problems persist even after other symptoms have been successfully relieved. Does it make sense to start with addressing sleep or addressing the other disorder?

Sleepless in Alabama

By Misti Norton, Ph.D.

Insomnia Sleep

Posted: June 12, 2024

Certainly all of us find ourselves staring at the clock and wishing for sleep occasionally. However, If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at least 3 nights per week for at least 3 months, and this is causing problems in your day-to-day life (e.g., feeling tired or irritable during the day, nodding off when you need to be awake, or feeling unfocused or distracted because you are tired), it’s time to seek expert help.