Sleep Disorders & Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome
What are Sleep Disorders and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders refers to a disruption in the quantity or quality of sleep, which can affect physical, mental, and emotional well-being. People experiencing sleep impairment may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep. It is linked to cognitive difficulties, irritability, and an increased risk for chronic conditions like heart disease and depression. Addressing sleep impairment through improved sleep hygiene, behavioral strategies, and medical treatment can greatly enhance overall health and daily functioning.
Roughly 50–70 million people in the United States experience sleep disorders or disturbances. About one in five (or 20 percent) of people in the United States report feeling sleepy during the day.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
ME/CFS is a complex, chronic, and debilitating multi-system illness, marked by severe unexplained fatigue that persists for six months or longer, significantly impairing daily functioning.
It’s not just being tired—it’s a biological illness affecting multiple body systems, leading to a series of symptoms including extreme fatigue, malaise, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), unrefreshing sleep, orthostatic intolerance, pain, and more.
Sleep disorders we can treat
Sleep is crucial for both mental and physical well-being, but when sleep is disrupted, it can lead to a host of issues. Sleep disorders include: Insomnia, Narcolepsy, and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). These conditions can cause problems like difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, and irregular sleep patterns.
Research shows that chronic sleep disturbances are associated with a higher risk of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Sleep plays an important role in mood regulation, and when it's disrupted, cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional control can be impaired. For instance, patients with mood disorders often experience difficulties with both falling asleep and maintaining sleep.
Improving sleep patterns have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of these disorders, indicating the interconnectedness of mental health and sleep.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non‑refreshing sleep, even when adequate time and a good sleep environment are available.
Types of Insomnia:
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Acute (short‑term) insomnia: Lasts a few days to weeks, often triggered by stress, travel, or a temporary change in sleep habits.
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Chronic (long‑term) insomnia: Occurs 3+ nights per week for over 3 months, significantly impacting daily life.
Common Causes & Risk Factors:
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Stress, anxiety, or depression.
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Poor sleep hygiene: irregular schedule, electronics in bed, environmental factors.
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Medical conditions or chronic pain.
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Substances: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, medications.
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Lifestyle factors: shift work, jet lag, inconsistent routines.
​Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the United States affecting about one-third of the general population (National Institutes of Health, 2023)
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and an inability to control sleep-wake cycles. This condition often causes “sleep attacks”, where individuals fall asleep suddenly, even during active daily routines
Types of Insomnia:
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Type 1 Narcolepsy (NT1): EDS plus cataplexy and/or low hypocretin levels self.
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Type 2 Narcolepsy (NT2): EDS without cataplexy and normal hypocretin.
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Secondary narcolepsy: Caused by brain injury or other neurologic conditions.
Common Causes & Risk Factors:
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Hypocretin (orexin) deficiency: Most individuals with type 1 narcolepsy have unusually low levels of orexin, a brain chemical that promotes wakefulness.
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Autoimmune factors: Evidence suggests an autoimmune response may destroy orexin-producing neurons.
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Genetic predisposition: Certain HLA gene variants significantly raise the risk.
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Environmental triggers: Infections (e.g., H1N1), head trauma, or brain injuries may trigger narcolepsy
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—also known as Willis–Ekbom disease—is a neurological sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations deep in the legs
Types of RLS:
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Primary (idiopathic) RLS: Often familial with genetic links; associated with dopaminergic system and brain iron dysregulation.
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Secondary RLS: Tied to conditions like iron deficiency, kidney disease, diabetes, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease.
Aggravating Factors:
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Certain medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines)
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Caffeine
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Alcohol
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Tobacco
Prevalence & Impact:
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Affects approximately 2.5%–15% of the U.S. population, with about 2.7% experiencing daily or severe symptoms.
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Twice as common in women, more prevalent with increasing age.
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Symptoms can cause sleep disruption, leading to daytime fatigue, mood changes, and decreased quality of life .
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a complex, long-term illness characterized by profound fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, and which is significantly impaired by physical or mental exertional malaise. Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) is the worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity, even minor ones. Other common symptoms include sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues.
Prevalence and Impact:
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About 3.3 million U.S. adults or about 1.3% have CFS, though most remain undiagnosed.
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Globally, it affects all age groups, but is most common in adults aged 40–60, and more frequent in women .
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The illness causes substantial reductions in daily life, work, education, and social activities—many people may be housebound at times.
Causes & Triggers:
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Infections (viral or bacterial)
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Immune dysregulation
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Genetic predispositions
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Neuroendocrine or metabolic dysfunctions
How does The Nudge treat sleep disorders?
The First Step in treating sleep disorders is connecting with our provider at The Nudge, you can begin your treatment journey from the comfort of your home with telehealth virtual visit or we can schedule you for an office visit at our location in Wichita, Kansas.
Requesting an appointment is quick and easy—often available within just a few days. Start by clicking the request appointment button and filling out the form.​
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Evaluation
Your initial visit is all about understanding you. During this session, you'll meet with one of our compassionate providers, who will ask about your current symptoms, personal and medical history, and your mental health goals. We’ll listen closely to ensure that virtual care at The Nudge is the right fit for you.
Diagnosis
Based on the information you share and a review of your medical history, your provider can offer a diagnosis for your sleep disorder.
Personalized Treatment Plan
You'll work closely with your provider to develop a customized plan to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, your provider will explain your options, discussing the benefits and potential side effects of each.
Medication Management
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Z‑drugs (nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)
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Melatonin receptor agonists
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Tricyclics/Off‑label antidepressants
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Antihistamines (OTC)
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Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs)
