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Over 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders — and poor sleep is both a symptom and cause of mental health conditions.
Sleep and mental health are deeply interconnected. Poor sleep can worsen anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder — and mental health conditions can cause or worsen sleep problems. Addressing sleep is often a critical component of psychiatric care.
DLH Consulting evaluates and treats sleep disorders as part of comprehensive psychiatric care, including insomnia, sleep disruption related to psychiatric conditions, and medication-related sleep changes.
Sleep disorders warrant professional evaluation when sleep problems occur at least three nights per week for three months or more and cause significant daytime impairment — fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, or reduced performance at work or school. You should also seek evaluation if sleep problems are worsening an existing mental health condition, if you rely on alcohol or over-the-counter sleep aids to fall asleep, or if your bed partner reports that you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or move excessively (which may indicate sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome requiring medical evaluation). Poor sleep is not something you simply have to accept. Most sleep disorders are highly treatable.
At DLH Consulting, sleep disorder evaluation is integrated into comprehensive psychiatric care — because sleep and mental health are deeply interconnected. We assess the nature of your sleep problem, its relationship to any psychiatric conditions, medications that may be affecting sleep, and sleep hygiene factors. For insomnia, we may recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is more effective than sleep medication long-term and has no side effects. We refer to CBT-I trained therapists and provide coordination. For medication management, we select appropriate sleep aids based on your specific situation, other medications, and health history — avoiding habit-forming medications when possible. For nightmare disorder related to PTSD, prazosin has strong evidence and is well-tolerated.
Sleep improvement typically takes several weeks regardless of treatment approach. CBT-I produces the most durable results but requires commitment to the process, including sleep restriction (temporarily reducing time in bed). Medication for sleep is often used short-term while implementing behavioral strategies. If we suspect sleep apnea or another sleep disorder requiring a sleep study, we will provide a referral to a sleep specialist. Most patients notice meaningful improvement in sleep within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment.
Our intake coordinator will reach out within 2 business days of receiving your completed intake forms.
Complete Intake Forms (774) 929-7420Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 516 Hawthorn St., Dartmouth, MA
Telehealth: Available statewide
We accept most major plans including:
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, causing significant daytime impairment — occurring at least 3 nights per week for 3+ months.
Excessive sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep, significantly impairing daily functioning.
Repeated, distressing nightmares causing significant distress — common in PTSD and depression.
Sleep problems caused by or worsening anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or PTSD.
Frequently yes. Sleep problems are often a symptom of underlying anxiety, depression, or PTSD. When the underlying condition is treated, sleep often improves significantly.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold-standard treatment for chronic insomnia. It is more effective than sleep medications in the long term and has no side effects. It involves sleep restriction, stimulus control, and changing unhelpful thoughts about sleep.
Some sleep medications are safe for long-term use; others are intended only for short-term use. Your provider will help you choose the most appropriate option based on your specific situation, other medications, and health history.
DLH Consulting can evaluate and treat many sleep disorders, particularly those related to psychiatric conditions. If a sleep study (polysomnography) is needed to rule out conditions like sleep apnea, we can provide a referral.
Yes. Insomnia and sleep disorders related to mental health conditions are covered by most insurance plans as behavioral health or medical conditions.
DLH Consulting treats a full range of mental health conditions. Learn more about other conditions we commonly treat:
Insurance We Accept
Our board-certified PMHNPs are accepting new patients in Dartmouth, MA — in-person and via telehealth statewide.