Sleep is vital for restoring energy, repairing the body, and supporting cognitive health. However, millions of people live with sleep disorders that prevent them from getting the rest they need. These conditions can range from insomnia and narcolepsy to restless legs syndrome, circadian rhythm disturbances, and sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep disorders can impact mood, focus, immunity, and long-term health, raising the risk for heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Kimberley Shine, MD, offers comprehensive, integrative care for patients experiencing sleep disorders. By combining functional medicine with evidence-based approaches, Dr. Shine works to uncover underlying causes and develop personalized treatment plans that help patients achieve restorative, consistent sleep.
Causes and Risk Factors
Sleep disorders may develop from a variety of health, lifestyle, or environmental factors. Common contributors include:
- Stress and Anxiety: Mental strain can interfere with the ability to fall and stay asleep.
- Hormone Imbalances: Cortisol, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones all play a role in regulating sleep.
- Chronic Illnesses: Pain, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders often disrupt rest.
- Neurological Conditions: Disorders such as narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome.
- Poor Sleep Habits: Irregular schedules, excessive caffeine, and late-night screen time.
- Environmental Factors: Noise, light exposure, or an uncomfortable sleep environment.
Identifying these triggers helps create individualized treatment strategies.
Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
While symptoms differ depending on the condition, common signs of a sleep disorder include:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring or gasping during sleep
- Waking frequently through the night
- Trouble concentrating or memory problems
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
If these symptoms persist, a medical evaluation is essential to determine the cause and prevent complications.
How Sleep Disorders Are Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis begins with a comprehensive evaluation of sleep patterns, lifestyle, and health history. Testing may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Identifying potential triggers and risk factors.
- Sleep Questionnaires: Assessing the quality and quantity of rest.
- Laboratory Testing: Checking for hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or thyroid dysfunction.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Evaluating gut health, inflammation, and systemic stressors that impact sleep.
- Specialist Referrals: When needed, coordinating with sleep medicine experts for polysomnography or other studies.
This thorough process ensures accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Treatment Options for Sleep Disorders
Treatment depends on the specific disorder and contributing factors. At Shine Health and Wellness, care may include:
- Lifestyle and Sleep Hygiene Counseling: Creating consistent routines and improving sleep environments.
- Stress Management: Mindfulness, relaxation strategies, or counseling to calm the mind.
- Nutritional Support: Anti-inflammatory diets and supplementation to improve sleep quality.
- Hormone Balancing: Addressing cortisol, thyroid, or sex hormone imbalances.
- IV Nutrition Therapy: Providing key nutrients that improve energy and recovery.
- Medication Management: Coordinating with specialists for prescriptions when appropriate.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Tracking progress and adjusting care plans as symptoms improve.
This integrative approach enables patients to experience lasting improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being.
The Impact of Untreated Sleep Disorders
Ignoring sleep disorders can lead to more than daytime fatigue. Over time, chronic poor sleep increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mood disorders, and weakened immunity. Effective treatment not only restores rest but also protects long-term health, energy, and mental clarity.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, has more than a decade of experience in patient-centered care. She believes in taking time to listen, understand, and educate each patient, empowering them to take control of their health. With her training in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Shine looks beyond quick fixes, addressing the root causes of sleep disorders to deliver sustainable results.
Enjoy More Restful Sleep Tonight
Sleep disorders don’t just disrupt rest—they affect every part of life. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide compassionate, personalized treatment to address the root causes of sleep disruption and help you achieve consistent, restorative sleep. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.