Sleep Disorders 101: Causes, Types, and Treatments

at Lyte Psychiatry (Best Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You — Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You | Dallas & Arlington, TX)

Everyone struggles to sleep now and then. But when trouble falling or staying asleep becomes a regular pattern, it may be more than just stress or a bad week—it could be a sleep disorder.

At Lyte Psychiatry, we help adults, teens, and families in Dallas & Arlington, TX identify and treat sleep disorders that are affecting mood, memory, energy, and emotional health. Because restful sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a mental health essential.

What Is a Sleep Disorder?

A sleep disorder is a condition that disrupts your normal sleep patterns—either in the time you fall asleep, how long you sleep, or the quality of rest you’re getting.

Sleep disorders can lead to:

✅ Daytime fatigue or irritability

✅ Mood swings and difficulty focusing

✅ Increased risk for anxiety and depression

✅ Physical health issues like high blood pressure or weight gain

🧠 Lack of sleep affects nearly every system in the body—and it starts with the brain.

Common Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep issues can stem from a wide range of sources, including:

Chronic stress or anxiety

Depression or bipolar disorder

Substance use (caffeine, alcohol, medication)

Medical conditions (pain, asthma, thyroid issues)

Poor sleep hygiene (screens before bed, irregular schedule)

Trauma or unresolved emotional distress

5 Common Types of Sleep Disorders

1. Insomnia: The most common sleep disorder. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to fall back asleep.

2. Sleep Apnea: A condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, causing disrupted rest and daytime exhaustion. Often linked to snoring and obesity.

3. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): A neurological condition causing uncomfortable sensations and an urge to move the legs, especially at night.

4. Narcolepsy: A rare disorder marked by sudden, uncontrollable sleep episodes and chronic daytime drowsiness.

5. Circadian Rhythm Disorders: When your body’s internal clock is out of sync—often due to shift work, jet lag, or lifestyle habits—causing sleep to occur at irregular or inappropriate times.

Sleep Disorders and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health are deeply connected. A lack of sleep can worsen depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions—and vice versa. Treating one without addressing the other often leads to short-term relief, not long-term results.

That’s why at Lyte Psychiatry, we treat sleep problems as part of a whole-person mental health plan.

Sleep Doesn’t Have to Be a Struggle, Schedule an Appointment at Lyte Psychiatry (Best Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You) Dallas, Arlington, TX

If you’ve been tossing and turning night after night—or running on empty during the day—it’s time to stop “just dealing with it.”

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Call us if you have questions at 469-733-0848

💬 Your sleep isn’t a weakness. It’s a window into your overall health.

🧠 Let’s get to the root of what’s keeping you up—and help you finally rest, recover, and feel like yourself again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?

A: If sleep problems persist more than 3 nights a week for over a month—or impact your daily functioning—it’s worth seeking an evaluation.

Q: Do I need a sleep study to get help?

A: Not always. In many cases, a psychiatric or clinical assessment can identify the source of sleep disturbances and recommend next steps.

Q: Can teens have sleep disorders?

A: Yes. Many teens suffer from delayed sleep cycles, stress-induced insomnia, or screen-related disruption.

Q: Will I be prescribed sleeping pills?

A: Not necessarily. We use medication when appropriate, but often combine it with behavioral techniques for long-term results.