Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common type of sleep disorder that affects your ability to get a good night’s rest. You might experience difficulty falling or staying asleep or tossing and turning vs. getting the high-quality sleep your body needs to function at its best. Insomnia may simply be a minor nuisance or cause severe disruption in your day-to-day life when left untreated.

Which symptoms can insomnia cause?

Insomnia is characterized by:

• Trouble falling asleep
• Waking up throughout the night
• Daytime tiredness
• Waking up sleepy
• Waking up too early
• Delayed reaction times
• Concerns at work or school
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Brain fog
• Depression
• Irritability 

Chronic (ongoing) insomnia occurs at least three times weekly and lasts for at least three months. 

What are the risk factors for insomnia?

Insomnia risk factors include:

• Family history of insomnia
• Stress
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Brain activity differences
• Jet lag
• Changes in your habits or routine
• Drinking caffeine late in the day
• Shift work
• Taking late afternoon or evening naps
• Being a light sleeper
• Drinking alcohol
• Some medications 
• Nightmares
• Nocturnal panic attacks
• Certain medical conditions

Examples of medical conditions that may negatively affect your sleep include Parkinson’s disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and acid reflux.

While about one in three adults throughout the world experience insomnia symptoms, just 10% meet the criteria for insomnia disorder (chronic insomnia).

Insomnia also increases the risk of complications like high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other physical and mental health concerns. 

How is insomnia diagnosed?

The a1 Family Psychiatry team diagnoses insomnia and screens for other mental health conditions by reviewing your lifestyle and symptoms, discussing your medical history, and completing a psychiatric evaluation. They may order lab testing, a sleep study, or other diagnostic tests to establish the most appropriate treatment plan.

How is insomnia treated?

Treating insomnia involves making healthy lifestyle changes, undergoing therapy, taking medications, or combining multiple treatments. Take any medications or dietary supplements as directed, undergo counseling for underlying conditions affecting sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, maintain an ideal weight, and minimize stress. 

Avoid alcohol and caffeine late in the day, and don’t eat large meals right before bed. Establish a nighttime routine that includes sleeping in a dark, cool, and quiet room with a regular bedtime. Allow yourself at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Follow up with a1 Family Psychiatry at any time with questions. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth insomnia evaluation at a1 Family Psychiatry by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.