Why Sleep Issues Aren’t “Just in Your Head”

Struggling with insomnia can be frustrating—especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. It’s tempting to assume that trouble sleeping is a direct result of that diagnosis. However, as renowned sleep specialist Dr. Barry Krakow points out, there’s more to the story: Many people with psychiatric conditions actually have underlying sleep disorders that aren’t resolved by standard sleep hygiene tips or prescription sleeping pills.

Beyond Basic Insomnia

A key issue is something called “sleep fragmentation,” where you experience many brief interruptions in sleep without even realizing it. This can happen hundreds of times a night, leaving you wiped out in the morning. While you might think anxiety or racing thoughts are solely to blame, your insomnia could actually be triggered by a physical problem. Common culprits include sleep apnea (pauses in breathing), restless legs syndrome, or periodic limb movement disorder. These conditions repeatedly jolt you out of deeper, more restorative stages of sleep, causing exhaustion and worsening moods.

Rethinking Middle-of-the-Night Awakenings

If you find yourself regularly jolted awake at two or three in the morning, you’re not alone—and it might not be all about stress or a full bladder. Dr. Krakow’s research shows that even people who don’t “look” like typical sleep apnea patients can experience breathing issues during sleep. Narrow airways, subtle breathing difficulties, and mini “airway collapses” can cause spikes in your body’s stress response, rousing you from slumber. As a result, you may wake up feeling anxious or unsettled, even if you were sound asleep moments before.

When to Consider a Sleep Study

If you’ve tried lifestyle changes, sleeping pills, or therapy but still can’t get relief, it might be time to explore a sleep study. While at-home tests can spot some breathing irregularities, an overnight lab study is the most comprehensive way to pinpoint specific causes of broken sleep. This deeper insight can guide more effective treatments, such as specialized devices like CPAP or Bi-Level (BiPAP) machines that help keep your airway open during the night.

Tailoring the Treatment

Though CPAP is a standard first step, it can feel uncomfortable for some people. BiPAP delivers different levels of pressure for inhaling and exhaling, making it easier to breathe. Other tools like nasal dilators, specialized masks, or even small surgeries can be explored if CPAP or BiPAP isn’t a good fit. Whichever route you take, addressing the source of your disrupted sleep can not only boost your energy levels but also improve your overall mental health.

The Bottom Line

Poor sleep and mental health issues often go hand in hand, but jumping straight to sleeping pills or basic “sleep hygiene” could miss an important piece of the puzzle. If you find yourself waking up often and can’t figure out why, consider consulting a specialist for a proper evaluation. Whether it’s a breathing problem or periodic limb movements, proper diagnosis and treatment can make a world of difference—helping you finally enjoy deeper rest and clearer days.