Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services
Psychology &
Counseling
Associates, P.C.
Mark A. Greenberg, Ph.D.
Jane R. Greenberg, Ph.D.
Directors
Jeffrey M. Walters, Psy.D.
Associate Director
SLEEP DISORDERS

More than 70 million people in the U.S. have a sleep disorder.  Most of those who have one
are completely unaware of it.  Many of those who are aware of it never choose to seek the
help that they need.

If you have insomnia, then you are not alone.  It is a common sleep disorder.  About 30% of
adults have symptoms of insomnia.  Less than 10% of adults are likely to have chronic
insomnia.  It is more common among elderly people and women.  Some medical
conditions cause insomnia, or it may be a side effect of a medication.

Untreated and persistent insomnia is associated with:

  • reduced quality of life
  • poor work performance
  • increased occurrence of accidents
  • risk for medical illness
  • risk for psychiatric illness

Untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk for:

  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • diabetes
  • motor vehicle accidents
  • emotional instability
  • high medical expenses
  • poor concentration
  • decreased alertness

How Do I Know if I Have Insomnia?

  1. Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or do you wake up too early or
    feel unrefreshed after sleeping?
  2. For a child, does the child resist going to sleep or resist sleeping alone?
  3. Does this problem occur even though you have the opportunity and the time to get a
    good night's sleep?
  4. Do you have at least on of the following problems?

  • low energy
  • lack of motivation
  • attention, concentration or memory problems
  • poor performance at school or work
  • extreme mood changes
  • daytime sleepiness
  • frequent errors at work or while driving
  • tension, headaches or stomach aches
  • frustration or worry about your sleep

    If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you might have insomnia.

    It is also important to know if there is something else that is causing your sleep
    problems.  They may be a result of one of the following:

  • another sleep disorder
  • a medical condition
  • medication use
  • a mental health disorder
  • substance abuse

How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?

  1. Do you ever wake from sleep with a choking sound or gasping for breath?
  2. If you have a bed partner, have they noticed that you snore loudly or stop breathing
    while you sleep?
  3. Do you experience any of these problems?

  • unintentionally falling asleep during the day
  • general daytime sleepiness
  • unrefreshing sleep
  • fatigue
  • insomnia

    If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then you might have obstructive
    sleep apnea.

    Almost all people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) snore loudly, and about half
    of the people who snore loudly have OSA.  Snoring is a sign that your airway is
    being partially blocked.  While you may not think you snore, ask the person who
    sleeps next to you.  He or she can tell how often you snore and whether or not you
    stop breathing.

    Many people with OSA are sleepy during the day.  They find that they are still tired
    even after a nap.  When you stop breathing, your body wakes up.  It happens so
    quickly, you aren't even aware of it.  This disrupts your sleep process.  You can stop
    breathing hundreds of times in one night.  This will make you feel very tired the next
    day.

What Type of Sleep Problems Do We Treat?

We evaluate and treat patients who have difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep,
who wake up early, or who experience poor quality sleep.

Common sleep disorders that we treat include insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg
syndrome.

What Kind of Treatment Can I Expect?

For patients with insomnia, we primarily use cognitive-behavioral treatments that have been
empirically validated.  Six to twelve sessions are usually required to improve sleep.  
Therapists are trained to identify and treat most associated/underlying symptoms to your
sleep problems.  If there are other symptoms identified, treatment probably will take longer.

All therapists work closely with your health care provider to ensure that your care is
coordinated.  In some cases, an evaluation for medication and/or a sleep study is
recommended.

How Can I Get Started?

Appointments can be made by calling our office staff at 610-970-5234 or by completing an
intake on this website.  Our staff can connect you with a therapist who has been trained to
work with people who have sleep problems.

10 Ways to Get a Good Night's Sleep

  1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule 7 days a week.
  2. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
  3. Avoid naps.
  4. Make sure your bedroom is comfortable and free from light and noise.
  5. Exercise regularly.
  6. Eat regular meals and do not go to bed hungry (but avoid heavy or greasy foods).
  7. Avoid excessive liquids in the evening.
  8. Cut down on all caffeine products.
  9. Avoid alcohol, especially in the evening.
  10. Do not try to fall asleep.  If you are having trouble falling asleep, get out of bed, and
    do something different.  Return to bed only when you are sleepy.

Links

www.sleepeducation.com
www.sleepfoundation.org
www.sleepnet.com