Treatment of Sleep Conditions
Are you experiencing serious Sleep Issues?
Tried various remedies and nothing is resolving it?
A Comprehensive Medical Treatment for various Sleep Conditions
Sleep Conditions
Sleep is one of the most important pillars of good health. If you’ve had a sleepless night, you will not be at your best the next day. But, you can catch up on your sleep quickly and feel back to normal. Chronic sleep deprivation is a much deeper problem. It affects your mental and physical health and quality of life.
Chronic insomnia is often multi-causal and it’s important to get to the root of the problem(s). Getting good sleep is necessary to keep yourself healthy. Sleep deprivation also directly affects brain and psychological health.
Sleep deficiencies have been linked to many chronic health problems including:
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Hormonal imbalances
- Infertility
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Compromised immune system
- ADHD
“Sleep is medicine, just like food is medicine, and may even be more important than diet. Sleep regulates your brain function, helps stabilize your mood, and is a time when the body heals. It’s absolutely critical for a healthy body. Sadly, over 70 million Americans don’t sleep well. This lack of sleep is degrading our health. We feel it in our energy level, it’s hard to focus, and it can even contribute to chronic illness.”
– Dr. Mark Hyman, esteemed functional medicine physician and best-selling author. Dr. Hyman is also the host of two national podcasts, “The Broken Brain,” and “The Doctor’s Farmacy.”
Our Medical Director
Dr. Jeralyn Brossfield, MD, is a Functional Medicine Specialist. She has over 26 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Brossfield combines relationship-based care with an integrative perspective.
She has many areas of expertise. These include healing the gut and balancing hormones. She is also a certified provider of the Bredesen protocol. This protocol helps those with cognitive decline and dementia.
In 2019, Dr. Brossfield added Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, or MeRT, as an adjunctive treatment. MeRT addresses insomnia, anxiety, autism, and depression. Additionally, it can help those who have suffered a TBI or are having memory problems. These treatments provide long-lasting restoration of function.
Dr. Brossfield provides a team approach to each person’s maximal health in order that they may lead an extraordinary life.
MeRT and Sleep
We see patients every day who come to us for treatment of that affect the brain including:
- Chronic insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress
- Traumatic brain injury
- Autism
- ADHD and other learning disabilities
- Dementia
- After-effects of stroke
- Parkinson’s Disease
So many of our patients come in for treatment and tell us that they feel like their brains are “broken.” A lot of these folks have been to other physicians. Or, they have gone through other therapies that did not resolve their issues. They are desperate for help and many have lost hope that they can ever feel “normal” again.
At the BrainCare Performance Center, we understand what you are going through. We CAN help you to regain your health.
Dr. Brossfield incorporates various diagnostics and treatments that uncover and treat the root causes of the sleep conditions you are experiencing. She prefers not to just put a bandaid on your symptoms. Instead, she will take the time to delve deep into your medical history and other circumstances that have led you to our clinic.
MeRT for Sleep
Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, or MeRT, is effective in treating the conditions listed above. This state-of-the-art technology is non-invasive, painless, and drug-free. MeRT neuromodulates abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Ultimately, MeRT heals the brain and modifies behavior. Often, it has been life-changing for patients who have been living with suboptimal brain health.*
There are many benefits gained from treatment. Improved sleep quality is one of the first things that patients notice. In and of itself, this is a great benefit to the way someone feels in their day-to-day life. It is also important for brain healing.
Talk to our New Patient Coordinator
She is happy to explain how it all works and answer any questions you may have, with no obligation.
Or fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will contact you.
Other Benefits from MeRT Treatment
- Improved sleep and relaxation
- Increased concentration and focus
- Improved mental clarity and memory
- Better mood
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Increased attention span
- Improved sociability
- Higher levels of motivation and energy
- Improved emotional stability
- Increased ability to adapt to changes
- Improved self-confidence
Because sleep is a crucial pillar of health, the lack thereof won’t allow your body to heal or rejuvenate. It is during the “deep sleep” phase that the brain is able to repair itself and detoxify. Getting a good night’s sleep is a way of preparing for the day ahead. Good sleep helps you to make decisions and pay attention. It also plays a huge role in the ability to cope with stress and with mood regulation.
Losing sleep for several nights in a row or more adversely affects your ability to perform. Your day-to-day function can be seriously impaired.
Dysregulation of the brain from other conditions can impact its ability to function. These include depression, PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injury (among others). If you are experiencing sleep deprivation, this can further cause the brain to go into a downward spiral and make you feel much worse.
Reasons for Chronic Sleep Conditions
Two reasons why people have sleep conditions are the lifestyles that they are leading and/or an underlying medical condition.
People often have other problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or TBI. They can have sleep problems BECAUSE of these disorders. For those with chronic sleep deprivatation, the lack of sleep can worsen these conditions. It becomes a “chicken or the egg” question.
Our goal is to help solve all of the issues so that you feel better. Dr. Brossfield can help with this!
*Results can vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Cortisol and Melatonin Imbalances
Melatonin and Cortisol are important hormones that serve many functions. They also affect and are affected by the circadian rhythm. Every living being has a 24-hour cycle called the circadian rhythm. It is dictated by diet, exercise, lifestyle, and both natural sunlight and “blue light.” The hypothalamus, located in the brain, is called the “master gland” which plays a role in this 24-hour cycle. It regulates behavior, body temperature, sleep, and hormone levels.
The pineal gland produces melatonin. There are studies that say that gut health can also affect sleep and circadian rhythm. If there are imbalances in gut flora, it can cause a decrease in melatonin production. This contributes to sleep conditions. Serotonin is another hormone that regulates mood. It’s also a precursor hormone to melatonin. If you are depressed or moody, you are likely having problems with sleep.
The Role of our Ancestors regarding Sleep
To help explain the role of melatonin and cortisol and how they affect sleep, we can look back over time to our ancestors’ lifestyles.
When it got dark, they went to bed. When the sun rose, they got up. This early morning exposure to sunlight went through the eyes and into the pineal gland.
The pineal gland would stimulate cortisol (which is a stress hormone and is also responsible for the fight/flight response). Cortisol should be at its highest in the morning time and lessen throughout the day. The pineal gland also stimulates melatonin. This is often referred to as the sleep hormone, which is the opposite and levels should peak in the evening hours so that you can get to sleep.
So, exposure to sunlight in the morning stimulates both cortisol and melatonin. However, sunlight needs to pass directly through the eyeballs (no sunglasses) in order for this to occur.
Lifestyle and Daily Habits
Our lifestyles in today’s world are different than they were of our ancestors. Most people get up early to go to work and don’t have the opportunity for exposure to sunlight in the mornings. Even everyday stressors can throw our cortisol levels into a chronic fight or flight mode.
Higher cortisol levels at night can also prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. When you are sleep deprived, this also causes this hormone level to become imbalanced. This can create symptoms of feeling tired in the morning but wired at night.
Studies have shown that the release of melatonin is inhibited by blue light. Our ancestors didn’t have televisions, smartphones, or tablets. These all emit blue light which disrupts the circadian rhythm. To help melatonin do its job, you should ideally turn off all digital devices at least two hours before bedtime.
Our endocrine systems contain many different hormones. And, hormones can become imbalanced by things such as lack of sleep, stress, age, illness, and more. Because of this, if there are one or two that are out of balance, the endocrine system as a whole can become out of whack.
A Comprehensive Approach to Sleep Health
There are behavioral changes that you can make that can help with your sleep conditions. This is a lot easier said than done! The brain isn’t always accepting of change once patterns or habits have been established. Neurotransmitters fire in the brain that reinforce the habits that you already have.
If you are chronically tired, it makes it even harder to modify behavior or habits. It’s easy to become overwhelmed or know where to start.
MeRT gently changes the brain patterns and pathways that are already established. Going through MeRT treatment can change these patterns over time so that you sleep easier.
Dr. Brossfield is a Functional Medicine provider and incorporates MeRT into her treatment protocols. She can help you with underlying causes of sleep conditions. And, she can also use MeRT to change the existing brain patterns which in and of itself can help you to sleep again. We can also guide you through lifestyle changes that will help to ensure that you keep sleeping well!
What is MeRT and How Does it Work?
MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a cutting-edge treatment. It combines Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS, an FDA-cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). This combination of technologies helps to analyze and formulate treatments tailored to each patient’s unique brain pattern.
Every person’s brain is as unique as their fingerprint. The way that your brain functions can be quite different from someone else’s. MeRT is individualized to both frequency and location. It uses magnetic waves to stimulate specifically targeted areas of the brain. Patients have reported feeling significant clinical improvements. *
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
MeRT Treatment: What To Expect
MeRT is a relatively new treatment, and we know you may have many questions as to whether it’s right for you. We understand, and we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you to get more information.
Your first step is a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. You can discuss symptoms and history. We will answer all questions you have. Also, we will also explain the protocols, fees, and details of treatment.
If you decide to take the next step, we’ll set up appointments for testing and consultation. We follow these with an assessment period where the actual procedure and monitoring take place.
Initial Diagnostics
EEG Testing
On your first appointment, we perform a qEEG and EKG. This test is simple and painless. We place a cap on your head to measure the electrical activity in your brain. This also maps out any areas which are not performing as they should.
We perform this test right in our office. Dr. Brossfield and her team then analyze the test results. She then develops a treatment plan customized to your condition and schedules the assessment period.
Consultation
Your second appointment is a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Brossfield. You can do this either in person or virtually from the comfort of your home. Dr. Brossfield will discuss your test results. She will answer any questions you may have. Dr. Brossfield will also let you know more about what to expect and the specific protocols she recommends for you.
This may include recommendations for further testing. MeRT treatment is more effective after the underlying root causes of your condition are identified and treated. Other patients may benefit from MeRT treatment alone.
Treatment with MeRT
Assessment Period
The next step is the assessment period. We will perform a short period of treatment, followed by a new EEG to see how you’re responding to the treatment. This is determined based on the new EEG results as compared to the initial one done. We also look at symptom improvements.
If there is a positive response to treatment during the assessment period, you will have likely noticed some improvements. At that point, we will schedule more MeRT treatment in two-week intervals.
At the end of every two weeks, we will perform a qEEG/EKG to monitor your progress. You will then have a consultation with Dr. Brossfield to confirm progress.
Most conditions treated with MeRT provide noticeable and long-lasting results after four to eight weeks of treatment. However, each patient is different, and results may vary.
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
Talk to our New Patient Coordinator
She is happy to explain how it all works and answer any questions you may have, with no obligation.
Or fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will contact you.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TREATMENT?
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, explain costs, and anything else you would like to know. She can also assist you in getting scheduled should you decide to move forward with treatment.
We understand what you may be going through, and our goal is to help guide you through the process with quality care in a warm and compassionate environment.
While MeRT is a relatively new treatment protocol, it has shown some remarkable results. It doesn’t cost anything to call us and talk. Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you.
Contact Us
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