Can sleep deprivation be addressed by a doctor on Laso MD?

Certainly, a Laso MD doctor can provide treatment options for sleep deprivation, contingent upon receiving a sleep deprivation diagnosis.

The doctor will likely recommend additional testing and may suggest consultation with a sleep specialist before prescribing any medications for sleep deprivation.

For residents in Québec, in addition to assistance from a general practitioner, a specialty consultation with one of our registered sleep technologists can be arranged in 24 hours or less.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly, our physicians at Laso MD can prescribe sleep deprivation medications online as part of your consultation. Upon approving the prescription, you can choose to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your doorstep at no extra cost.

 

What is sleep deprivation?

Sleep deprivation is a condition that arises when an individual does not receive an adequate amount of sleep. While the required sleep duration can vary among individuals, the CDC recommends that adults aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night to maintain normal functioning.

Current estimates suggest that approximately 1 in 3 adults may be experiencing insufficient sleep.

 

What are the symptoms of sleep deprivation?

Common symptoms and signs of sleep deprivation include:

• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Mood swings or changes
• Irritability
• Difficulty remembering
• Difficulty focusing
• Reduced sexual drive
• Lowered reaction times

Sleep deprivation symptoms can impact various parts of the body, potentially leading to other adverse conditions. Some affected areas include:

• Reasoning in the brain
• Emotion control
• Hormone levels
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Immune system
• Weight control (loss or gain)
• Reproductive system

 

What leads to sleep deprivation?

Several factors contribute to sleep deprivation, resulting in insufficient sleep or the inability to sleep during regular resting hours. Some of these factors include:

• Use of electronic devices close to bedtime
• Work-related stress (meeting deadlines, learning new tasks, starting a new position, etc.)
• Shift work or rotating schedules that disrupt regular sleep patterns
• Chronic pain
• Sleep apnea
• Mental health issues (such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or schizophrenia)
• Nighttime caregiving responsibilities (commonly affecting new parents and those caring for sick patients or the elderly)
• Substance misuse or abuse
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Obesity
• Bruxism (teeth grinding during sleep)
• Narcolepsy

 

How is sleep deprivation diagnosed?

Before providing a sleep deprivation diagnosis, the doctor will likely inquire about your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss your current sleep patterns.

To pinpoint the specific causes of your sleep deprivation, the doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist and may recommend a sleep study or polysomnogram.

Once the underlying causes of your sleep deprivation are identified, the doctor can suggest appropriate treatment options.

 

How is sleep deprivation addressed?

Various sleep deprivation treatments may be recommended by the doctor based on their assessment of the potential causes of your sleep deprivation.

If the doctor suspects an underlying condition contributing to your sleep deprivation, they will work to identify and treat the root cause.

Before considering prescription sleep deprivation medications, the doctor may explore natural strategies to improve sleep, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, meditation, guided imagery, etc.)
• Limiting caffeine or alcohol intake, especially close to bedtime
• Avoiding electronic devices for 30 minutes before bedtime and keeping them away from the bedside
• Tobacco cessation
• Regular exercise
• Abstaining from food for 2-3 hours before bedtime
• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and routine
• Using a mouth guard to prevent bruxism
• Maintaining a dark, cool, and quiet bedroom environment
• White noise machines
• Anti-snore devices (such as nasal strips or an anti-snore chin strap)
• Wedge pillows

If these strategies prove ineffective, the doctor may suggest over-the-counter sleep deprivation medications such as Dyphenhydramine (Benadryl), Doxylamine (Unisom), or Melatonin.

If these alternatives are not successful, the doctor might recommend prescription sleep deprivation medications, including Butabarbital (Butisol), Temazepam (Restoril), or Zolpidem (Ambien).

 

When to Consult a Doctor for Sleep Deprivation?

If sleep deprivation is impacting your daily life and activities, it is advisable to seek guidance from your doctor and explore potential sleep deprivation treatments.

This is particularly crucial if you are dealing with chronic sleep deprivation issues. Persistent, untreated sleep deprivation may elevate the risk of:

• Stroke
• Heart attacks
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Sleep apnea
• Psychosis
• Depression or anxiety

These conditions can pose serious health risks, and in rare cases, they can be life-threatening. If you suspect you are experiencing chronic symptoms of sleep deprivation, it is essential to consult with your doctor promptly.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD provides a convenient platform for swift access to Canadian doctors 24/7. By logging in, you can request a consultation with a doctor through live chat or video, connecting with healthcare professionals in minutes. Visit our “How it Works” page to understand the process better.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and offer treatment, including necessary prescriptions, which may include sleep therapy. If you reside in Québec, you can even schedule a consultation with one of our registered sleep technologists in 24 hours or less.