Sleep disorders can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. In the United States, around 70 million people experience some form of sleep disorder with 40% specifically suffering from insomnia. At the Sleep and Wellness Center, we offer comprehensive sleep disorder treatments in New Jersey. Read more to find out how we can help you:

Sleep Disorders: A Breakdown
Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the quantity, timing, and quality of sleep resulting in impairment and daytime distress.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of a sleeping disorder:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Unusual sleep behaviors (Like sleepwalking)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Irregular breathing or increased movement when you are asleep
- Mood changes and difficulty concentrating during the day
While these are the most common causes:
- Lifestyle factors: poor sleep hygiene, irregular sleep patterns, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
- Medical conditions: Chronic pain, respiratory issues, neurological disorders
- Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, depression
- Environmental factors: Noise, lights, uncomfortable sleeping conditions
These causes and symptoms can be diagnosed into several different sleep disorders:
Insomnia Trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up too early | Sleep Apnea Loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing, gasping for air during sleep | Restless leg syndrome (RLS) Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, with an urge to move them | Narcolepsy Excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle tone, sleep paralysis | Circadian rhythm disorders Misalignment between the internal body clock and the external environment (Jet lag, shift work disorder) |
Sleep Deprivation, Apnea, and Weight Gain
There’s a significant intercorrelation between sleep deprivation, apnea, and weight gain. You may not know it, but your sleep disorder may be affecting much more than just your sleep pattern.
Lack of sleep can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly with leptin and ghrelin. Leptin signals fullness, while ghrelin stimulates hunger. Sleep deprivation decreases leptin and increases ghrelin, making you feel hungrier and less satisfied after eating. Insufficient sleep can also reduce your energy levels, making it harder to exercise and burn calories.
Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can cause fragmented sleep and lead to sleep deprivation. The condition itself can contribute to weight gain due to the same hormonal imbalances caused by sleep deprivation. At the same time, excessive weight, especially around the neck, can worsen sleep apnea by further obstructing the airways.
Weight gain can increase the risk and severity of sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle where sleep apnea leads to more weight gain and increased weight exacerbates sleep apnea.
What Are the Available Sleep Disorder Treatments in New Jersey?
- Behavioral and lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
- Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia, light therapy, relaxation techniques
- Medications: Sleep aids, stimulants, antidepressants, depending on the specific disorder
- Medical devices and surgery: CPAP machines for sleep apnea, surgical interventions for anatomical issues
Before starting any type of treatment, it’s important to diagnose your sleep disorder. In order to do this, you have to undergo a sleep study.
At Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates, we specialize in Sleep Medicine, conducting on-site studies at our office to diagnose various sleep disorders. If you’re unsure whether you are suffering from a sleep disorder, our office is available for consultations at 31 East Darrah Lane, Lawrence Township, NJ. To schedule an appointment, call 855-611-9116.
Josefina Diaz
Josefina is a content writer with a diverse background in humanities and life sciences. With a passion for clear communication and thorough research, she applies her expertise to the healthcare field, bridging the gap between complex medical information and those on the receiving end.