Struggling to get quality sleep, going to bed on time, or sleeping for at least eight hours are common problems in modern society. These sleep disorders can be a result of certain medical conditions or mental health factors such as cognitive disorders, anxiety, depression, and more. Unfortunately, sleep disorders lead to impaired functioning and daytime distress, which can affect productivity. Research also shows that sleep disorders can lead to impaired cognitive performance.
Fortunately, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) can help identify the underlying mental health factors that could be contributing to sleep disturbances. This detailed guide explores the PMHNPs’ role in identifying these factors, diagnosing patients, and the interventions they use to support patients.
What is a PMHNP?
PMHNP is an advanced nurse practitioner who has undertaken further study in order to specialize in mental health. A PMHNP’s role is to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of patients. The current shortage of Missouri mental health professionals is a key contributor as to why PMHNP’s are incredibly important in the state and beyond. Read more about the crisis in Missouri and the role of PMHNP’s on the Rockhurst University blog. The accredited institution offers online programs that train students to become PMHNP’s.
How PMHNPs identify mental health factors causing sleep disturbances
PMHNPs play a significant role in addressing mental health management and patient care. Here’s a breakdown of their responsibilities in understanding mental health factors that could contribute to sleep disorders.
Providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
PMHNPs’ first way of addressing the root problem of sleep disturbances is to conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. The nursing professional will ask about the patient’s medical history, learn about the symptoms the patient is experiencing, and identify specific psychosocial stressors such as traumatic life events.
Routine psychiatric assessment may also involve going over a patient’s past and current mental health status. Some PMHNPs will also conduct psychological tests to determine the severity of mental health conditions and the specific type of condition the patient is struggling with, like ADHD, anxiety, or Alzheimer’s, for example.
The aim of the psychiatric evaluation is to identify underlying psychiatric disorders or other mental health problems a patient is experiencing. With this comprehensive approach, a PMHNP can understand the patient holistically and customize a treatment plan to address sleep disturbances. Evaluations also help PMHNPs to provide psychological support that addresses the patient’s unique challenges.
PMHNP may also conduct psychiatric evaluations to determine the patient’s progress on a specific treatment plan. However, this depends on whether there’s a short or long-term relationship with the patient.
Using evidence-based research and tools
PMHNPs use evidence-based assessment tools to guide their treatment plan and enhance their diagnosis in their practice.
For example, a PMHNP can utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients change their patterns of behavior. Additionally, they can implement dialectical behavioral therapy, which incorporates CBT practices, while also focusing on mindfulness and emotional regulation to treat different mental health disorders.
PMHNPs also use evidence-based tools like the Insomnia Severity Index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which are standardized questionnaires that provide helpful information about the effects of insomnia on a patient’s daily productivity. Using these assessments allows these mental health professionals to better understand how to handle sleep disturbances. It also allows them to customize treatment options.
Collaboration and a holistic approach
Sleep disorders can be challenging to address single-handedly. PMHNPs understand the need to work with other healthcare providers to address sleep disturbances and the underlying mental health factors.
PMHNPs work with psychologists, substance abuse counselors, crisis response teams, primary care physicians, social workers, and other members of the healthcare team to provide holistic care for patients with complex sleep disturbances.
The collaborative approach ensures care coordination, which leads to consistent medical record-keeping and a combination of organizational responsibilities. This helps reduce costs and leads to improved patient outcomes.
Research, program development, and education
Aside from working directly with patients, PMHNPs also conduct clinical mental health research to determine the underlying mental health factors that could lead to sleep disturbances. PMHNPs find research opportunities by collaborating with other healthcare practitioners and researchers in hospital or university settings.
Additionally, PMHNPs can organize community outreach and educational programs. These programs can address mental and behavioral health issues like anxiety, substance abuse, and depression. They also focus on the prevention and treatment of these health issues that could be contributing to sleep disturbances.
Ultimately, PMHNPs provide the community with information about stress management techniques, sleep hygiene practices, and cognitive behavioral techniques to improve sleep quality. As care providers, PMHNPs equip individuals with self-management skills and coping strategies to help them make lifestyle changes that will lead to improved sleep quality and support restorative sleep.
Advocating for mental health awareness
PMHNPs also advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility within health care settings apart from direct patient care. The advocacy efforts help to raise mental health awareness about the prevalence and effect of mental health conditions on sleep. Furthermore, the advocacy helps to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health services and support resources for people struggling with sleep-related conditions.
The impact of PMHNPs on sleep-related disturbances
PMHNPs understand the interrelation between underlying mental health factors and sleep disturbances. Their expertise in psychiatric care and their holistic approach to treatment help in identifying possible factors that could lead to sleep-related disturbances. Through patient education, advocacy efforts, evidence-based research tools, and pharmacotherapy, PMHNPs help individuals reclaim restorative sleep and enhance their overall wellbeing. Furthermore, PMHNPs conduct research and come up with innovative ways to improve patient outcomes.