Sleep Deprivation Psychosis: Signs & Treatment

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Everyone has a bad night of sleep from time to time, but for some, it becomes much more serious. Not getting enough sleep over a period of time can lead to sleep deprivation psychosis. When this happens, it becomes imperative that the person receives medical and psychological assistance. The Meadowglade offers residential and outpatient programs that help ease the symptoms of mental health disorders that can lead to developing sleep deprivation psychosis. Our licensed, relaxing environment provides the perfect backdrop for learning that supports a person’s mental health and helps them get back into a regular sleep routine.

Learn more about our Southern California mental health programs or all us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance now.

What is Sleep Deprivation Psychosis?

Sleep deprivation psychosis can happen to someone who is so deprived of sleep that it impacts their mental health. When a person does not get enough sleep, particularly when this goes on for 24 hours or more, it affects the brain’s ability to function normally. The individual cannot control the psychosis and needs to seek immediate medical and psychological attention.

The average amount of sleep an adult should get is seven to nine hours each night. Teenagers and younger children require more than that. When they habitually do not sleep enough or go for excessive amounts of time with no sleep, they often exhibit cognitive difficulties and physical exhaustion, and cannot function at their usual capacity.

Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation Psychosis

When someone develops sleep deprivation psychosis, they will exhibit symptoms. The individual typically does not recognize how incapacitated they are, but the signs will be obvious to those around them. Common symptoms of sleep deprivation psychosis include:

  • Difficulty thinking, making decisions, and paying attention
  • Slurred speech
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Memory lapses
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety

Serious medical side effects can also happen, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Immunodeficiency
  • Poor hormone production and regulation
  • Diabetes

What Causes Sleep Deprivation Psychosis?

Sleep deprivation psychosis can be brought on by experiencing mental health disorders that rob people of regular sleep cycles. These include depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and more. Living under chronic stress can also influence how much a person sleeps. People with insomnia or sleep apnea can cross over to having sleep deprivation psychosis, too. 

Treatment for Sleep Deprivation Psychosis

Someone suffering from sleep deprivation psychosis will need expert treatment to help them overcome it. Some people may need to check in at a facility that treats sleep disorders to help them get back on track. They can also enter a residential or outpatient program that treats mental health disorders that often have a causal link to a person not getting enough sleep. Prescription medications can also be used to help people get back on a healthy sleeping track.

Common types of therapy used to treat mental illnesses include the following:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Individual Psychotherapy
  • Group Therapy
  • EMDR
  • Psychological Diagnosis
  • Equine Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Holistic Therapy
  • Stress Reduction Therapy
  • Psychiatry + Medication Management
  • Education & Career Counseling

What Levels of Care are Available for Treatment?

Treatment for sleep deprivation psychosis is often done in a residential facility so the person can be monitored throughout the night. The individual moves into a facility temporarily and works on developing coping skills to help ease their symptoms of poor mental health, which enables them to sleep better. 

Outpatient programs allow the person to remain living in their homes while they travel to a facility for their therapy sessions. Options for outpatient care include Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Outpatient Programs. Some programs are age-specific and have programs for young adults. Those interested in outpatient care can take advantage of supportive housing that gives them a safe place to live while attending their program.

Tips For Getting Better Sleep

While programs that address sleep deprivation psychosis offer complex care and guidance, people can also implement lifestyle changes that improve their ability to sleep well. Eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis affects a person’s sleep patterns. Engaging in yoga and meditation also helps people feel more relaxed at the end of the day. 

Everyone should have a healthy sleeping environment, which means a quiet, dark place with a comfortable temperature they can rely on to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, using the healthy coping skills acquired during treatment helps influence the ability to reduce stress, which helps people sleep better. 

Begin Treatment for Mental Health Disorders at The Meadowglade

Do you struggle with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or another mental health disorder that impacts your ability to get a good night’s sleep regularly? The Meadowglade understands how crucial it is to sleep well each night and how not doing so impacts a person’s mental and physical health. We provide structured care on both residential and outpatient levels that gives hope to those who feel lost in poor mental health. If you or someone you love finds that getting a good night’s sleep is out of reach, let us help. 

Contact us today to find out your options for getting the right care for your needs. We also provide a free insurance verification to help you understand your options.