Care for Sleep Disorders & Insomnia

The team at Fine Tune Psychiatry provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for insomnia and several other sleep disorders.

Each assessment typically includes a full psychiatric evaluation, screening for underlying psychiatric or medical conditions, and discussion of factors that can impact sleep—such as sleep hygiene, work schedule, lifestyle, medications, and substance use (including alcohol). Our insomnia psychiatrists and nurse practitioners may also recommend sleep studies when appropriate. We are glad to collaborate with providers outside of our practice to support your care.

What are Sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt the quality, duration, or timing of sleep.

Poor or inconsistent sleep can affect daytime energy, concentration, mood, anxiety levels, social interactions, irritability, and work performance, while also increasing the risk of accidents or injuries. There are more than 10 recognized sleep disorders, including insomnia disorder, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, breathing-related disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, NREM-related conditions (such as sleepwalking or night terrors), and restless leg syndrome (RLS).

Anyone experiencing significant sleep disturbances or distress from insomnia often benefits from evaluation by an insomnia psychiatrist or another sleep-focused mental health provider. A thorough assessment helps identify contributing factors and ensures patients receive an accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

How Common are Sleep Disorders?

Unfortunately, sleep disorders are widespread, with insomnia being one of the leading reasons adults seek medical or psychiatric help.

Research shows that:

• Insomnia disorder: Affects 10–15% of adults (more common in women). About 50% of people with insomnia also have a co-occurring psychiatric condition such as anxiety or depression.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Impacts about 1–2% of the general adult male population, but more than 8% of men over 65.
• Sleepwalking and Night Terrors: Occur in roughly 1–5% of adults.
• Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Affects around 2% of adults.
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder: Found in 10–50% of adults working non-traditional shifts.
• Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Present in about 3% of adults.

What Treatments are Available for Insomnia & Sleep Disorders?

Treatment for insomnia and sleep disorders is highly individualized and begins with a detailed medical and psychiatric evaluation.

From there, a tailored plan is developed, which may include:

• Education: Regarding light exposure, medication impacts on sleep, caffeine intake, appropriate sleep hygiene measures, and relaxation techniques.
• Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is highly effective, with about 75% of patients experiencing long-term improvements. Our providers can facilitate referrals to qualified therapists for this specific treatment.
• Medication management for psychiatric conditions: Addressing underlying anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders can improve sleep.
• Nutritional and supplement interventions: Guidance on use of supplements such as magnesium to support sleep. A primary care provider or other specialist may be included for conditions like RLS, where iron deficiency may play a role.
• Medications or Supplements for insomnia and sleep disorders, including:
  • Melatonin receptor agonists: Melatonin, Rozerem (Ramelteon)
  • Orexin receptor agonists: Belsomra (Suvorexant), Quviviq (Daridorexant), Dayvigo (Lemborexant)
  • Antidepressants with favorable safety profiles: Trazodone, Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Mirtazapine
  • Benzodiazepine receptor agonists: Ambien (Zolpidem), Lunesta (Eszopiclone), Sonata (Zaleplon), Restoril (Temazepam)
  • Other medications: Prazosin, Clonidine, Gabapentin, Seroquel (Quetiapine), especially when treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
• Medications for Shift Work Disorder, such as Provigil (Modafinil) and Nuvigil (Armodafinil).

Because treatment must be individualized, your provider will carefully weigh benefits, risks, and potential for dependence. Working with an insomnia psychiatrist ensures you receive the safest and most effective plan tailored to your needs.

A Note on Breathing-Related Sleep Disorders

While Fine Tune Psychiatry does not conduct sleep studies, our providers frequently collaborate with local sleep labs and specialists to coordinate care for conditions such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and idiopathic hypersomnia.

Why Choose Fine Tune Psychiatry for Sleep Disorder Treatment?

• Appointments typically available within 2–3 weeks
• Highly trained providers from institutions like Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, & Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
• Academic providers, many of whom are published and maintain academic titles
• Comprehensive, patient-centered care
• Coordination with your other healthcare providers
• Most major commercial insurance plans accepted
• 60 minute evaluation sessions and 20 to 30-minute follow-ups