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Sleep Disorders Specialist

Lotus Integrative Medicine Santa Monica

Integrative Medicine Specialists located in Santa Monica, CA

At Lotus Integrative Medicine, which is conveniently located in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Brendan Armm has helped many residents of Los Angeles who had trouble sleeping. Dr. Armm has a deep passion for improving his patient's sleep and the positive affects this brings to their emotional health and well-being. In 2007, while completing his doctorate, he created and completed a research practicum on sleep and well-being. Many of his patients regard him as one of the city’s leading sleep disorders specialists, and several of these patients that he treats highly recommend him.

Sleep Disorders Q & A

What Are Sleep Disorders?

A sleep disorder is a condition which affects the length and/or the quality of a person’s sleep, interfering with their daily life. Typically, the average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep but some people may need less or more. Many things can affect how much sleep we get and how restful the sleep is. Bad habits or medical conditions are just a few examples. When left untreated, sleep disorders can be very dangerous and destructive to a person’s health. There many different kinds of sleep disorders. Some common ones include the following:

  • Narcolepsy
  • Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Sleep apnea
  • Insomnia

Many people suffer from sleeping disorders and those that suffer, often experience more than one disorder.

How Are Sleep Disorders Diagnosed?

When diagnosing a patient’s sleep disorders, Dr. Brendan Armm will rely on a combination of a comprehensive review of patient history, family history, evaluation, exam, and assessment. In some cases, Dr. Brendan Armm may also ask to order blood tests.

How Are Sleep Disorders Treated?

In Western medicine, sleep disorders are often treated with either over-the-counter or prescription medication. Some of the medications used have habit-forming properties, meaning they’re potentially addictive.

Doctors who are trained in Eastern medicine are able to use a holistic approach to treat sleep disorders. They often use a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies, neither of which is addictive. Music therapy and hypnosis can also be used and are sometimes effective.

What Should Patients Who Have Trouble Sleeping Look for in a Doctor?

Patients who think they might have a sleep disorder should first look for a board certified, integrative doctor of acupuncture, like Dr. Brendan Armm, who works with a large population of patients that suffer from sleep disorders. This will ensure having several non-habit forming treatment options to try, without putting the patient at risk of developing a chemical addiction to a medication.