Discussion - Week 8 Sleep-Wake Disorders Are Defined By ✓ Solved

Discussion - Week 8 Sleep-wake disorders are defined by

Discussion - Week 8 Sleep-wake disorders are defined by disturbances to a person’s sleep patterns. Sleep disruptions impact physical, mental and emotional health. There are 10 groups of sleep-wake disorders described in the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013): insomnia, hypersomnolence disorder, narcolepsy, breathing-related sleep disorders, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorders, nightmare disorder, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, restless legs syndrome, and substance/medication-induced sleep disorder.

The two key symptoms of a sleep disorder are fatigue and trouble focusing. People with mental health disorders like depression often have co-occurring sleep-wake disorders. It is critical that the clinician conduct an in-depth assessment when a client presents with a sleep-wake disorder, to include among other questions the following: nutrition, energy drink and other supplement/stimulant use, exercise, trauma history, technology use patterns, social and familial relationship health, and medical history with medication history.

To prepare for this Discussion: Review Chapter 11 of the textbook. Review the media pieces listed in the Learning Resources. Consider the following scenario: Alex, a male African American adolescent aged 14, has come to therapy because he is experiencing the symptoms of a sleep-wake disorder. His sleep-wake disorder is disrupting his schoolwork, causing absenteeism from school, and is negatively impacting his social engagements due to an increase in irritability and irrational thinking. Write out a mini script showing what you, the counselor, might say to Alex.

By Day 3 Respond to the following prompts using your mini script: Provide four potential questions you might ask about Alex’s current sleep hygiene. Explain the role of counseling alongside sedative-hypnotics. Explain the long-term consequences of a sleep-wake disorder. Include an empathetic reflection to Alex. Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Paper For Above Instructions

The importance of understanding and addressing sleep-wake disorders cannot be overstated, especially within the context of mental health and adolescent development. Sleep is a critical component of overall health, and disruptions can lead to a cascade of negative outcomes. In this discussion, I will outline the mini script I would utilize in therapy with Alex, followed by an exploration of questions regarding his sleep hygiene, the role of counseling in conjunction with sedative-hypnotics, and the long-term consequences of untreated sleep-wake disorders.

Mini Script for Counseling Session with Alex

Counselor: "Hi Alex, I'm glad you could come in today. I understand that you’ve been having a tough time with your sleep, and it sounds like it’s affecting not only your schoolwork but how you feel socially too. Can you tell me more about what you're experiencing?"

Understanding Sleep Hygiene

During the initial session, it is essential to ask probing questions to assess Alex’s sleep hygiene. Here are four potential questions I would inquire about to gain insight into his nightly habits:

1. "Can you walk me through your evening routine before you go to sleep?"
2. "How many hours of sleep do you typically get during the school week versus the weekend?"
3. "Do you use any electronic devices in bed, and if so, how close to bedtime?"
4. "How do you feel when you wake up in the morning? Are you still tired or able to start your day refreshed?"

Role of Counseling and Sedative-Hypnotics

Counseling plays a crucial role in the treatment of sleep-wake disorders, particularly by providing a supportive environment for individuals to explore their feelings and behaviors related to sleep. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia, for instance, focuses on changing sleep habits and misconceptions about sleep (Borel, 2013). Medication like sedative-hypnotics may be prescribed for short-term management of sleep disturbances; however, it is vital for the counselor and the prescriber to work collaboratively to ensure that Alex does not become reliant on medications without also employing behavioral strategies for sustainable sleep improvement.

Long-term Consequences of Sleep-Wake Disorders

Untreated sleep-wake disorders can have profound long-term consequences. These include chronic fatigue, increased risk of physical health issues such as obesity and diabetes, and exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety and depression (Sinacola, Peters-Strickland, & Wyner, 2020). Academic performance can decline due to cognitive impairment and absenteeism, which can further lead to social isolation and hinder personal growth during these formative adolescent years.

Empathetic Reflection

Counselor: "It seems like you are really overwhelmed right now, Alex. It's completely understandable to feel frustrated when you aren't getting the sleep you need to feel your best. Let's work together to figure out some strategies that could help make things a little easier for you." This empathetic approach not only reinforces the counselor’s role in providing support but also helps to build trust and rapport with Alex.

Conclusion

Through this discussion, I have outlined key aspects of addressing adolescent sleep-wake disorders in therapy, illustrated by specific questions for assessment, the significance of an integrative counseling approach, and the potential consequences of inaction. As professional mental health practitioners, it is imperative to prioritize comprehensive evaluations of sleep patterns to tailor an effective treatment strategy that promotes better health and overall well-being for our clients.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). Washington, DC: Author.
• Borel, B. (2013, August 14). What’s the connection between sleep and mental health? A Q&A with circadian neuroscientist Russell Foster. Retrieved from [insert URL]
• Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson.
• Bonnet, M.H., & Arand, D.L. (2019). Behavioral and pharmacologic therapies for chronic insomnia in adults. UpToDate. Retrieved from [insert URL]
• National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). Sleep disorders. Retrieved June 11, 2019 from [insert URL]
• [Additional credible references will be added here following the standard APA format]