Co-Occurring Symptoms
At DrLullaby, we truly believe that treating the entire patient and addressing comorbid symptoms is essential for achieving the best sleep possible. Sleep challenges often present alongside medical challenges, mood symptoms and/or medication factors, and we’re excited to partner with trusted allies who share our dedication to evidence-based care. Together, we're on a mission to ensure all elements are considered and effectively managed to provide comprehensive sleep progress.
Mood Symptoms
It's important for patients experiencing comorbid mood symptoms to seek help, as these are present in 30-40% of those with insomnia. The relationship between mood and sleep is cyclical; poorer mood leads to worse sleep, while inadequate sleep makes it even more challenging to manage mood effectively. Those with underlying mental health diagnoses will see worsening of mood symptoms without sufficient improvements in sleep. Sleep loss can increase irritability and frustration, worsening the overall mental health situation. By addressing both mood and sleep issues through working with our clinicians, and starting or continuing mood symptom management, patients experience overall optimized mental health.
Need therapy options?
1) Call your insurance and ask who is in network
2) Visit Psychology Today, and enter your primary concern/insurance/zip code: Find a Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor - Psychology Today
Sleep Apnea and Medically-Based Sleep Symptoms
Half of the patients we see have co-existing sleep apnea, and already have an established sleep apnea care-team. Anyone who already has a sleep medicine provider may at times be encouraged to return to see them if and when weight changes or newly reported symptoms may warrant follow-up testing or consultation.
For those who are "self-referred" and do not yet have a sleep disorders center or sleep medicine physician on their care-team, DrLullaby has nationwide partners that can help. If and when sleep apnea or other medically-based sleep symptoms are present and/or not yet optimally managed, improvement in insomnia can be hindered by such factors, so it's essential for our patients to follow-up with such components of the care-plan.
Self-Referred and Need a Sleep Study?
Your DrLullaby Clinician can submit referrals here:
- ISleepMd (non-Medicare/Commercial referral)
- ISleepMd (insurance covered referral)
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain and sleep have a bi-directional relationship that can significantly impact overall well-being. Pain can lead to insomnia and disrupt sleep architecture, increased lighter sleep stages, sleep stage shifts, and micro-arousals. Conversely, poor sleep can heighten sensitivity to, and exacerbation of, the pain experience. We recommend following your clinician suggestions and collaborating with pain specialists, to help manage both and sleep issues effectively.
Ringing in the Ears
Insomnia and tinnitus often exist in a bi-directional relationship, where each condition exacerbate the other. Individuals suffering from tinnitus may find it difficult to fall asleep as symptoms are worse in silence, and it's more quiet at night. Conversely, a lack sleep can heighten the perception and experience of tinnitus, as well as the distress response to the tinnitus. If either condition is left unmanaged, we see impeded progress in the other. We partner with Treble Health to support management of our patients suffering from tinnitus.
Struggling with Tinnitus?
Consider working with our partners at Treble Health. Our clinicians can schedule for you HERE.
- Let them know you are working with DrLullaby so that we can coordinate care.
Appetite Surges at Night
Many patients on diets or using weight loss medications may experience cravings upon waking, which be linked to fluctuations in circadian rhythms and nighttime glucose spikes. This phenomenon can contribute to symptoms of night syndrome, making it challenging to achieve improvements in insomnia. effectively address these issues, we recommend collaborating with licensed dietitians while also focusing on sleep health with our clinicians. Together, we can create comprehensive approach to enhance your overall well-being.
Interested in teaming up with a Dietician?
Feel free to try the insurance-covered services with NourishRx.
- Let them know you are working with DrLullaby so that we can coordinate care.