Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder affecting about 25% of Americans — about 80 million people. It makes it difficult for them to fall or stay asleep, which can cause excessive daytime fatigue and physical health problems. Getting a good night’s rest is absolutely necessary for good health and is entirely possible with the right treatment.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

The symptoms of insomnia include:

• Waking up too early
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Waking up often throughout the night
• Depression or anxiety
• Irritability
• Waking up feeling tired
• Daytime tiredness
• Increased risk of accidents
• Ongoing stress about sleep

When left untreated, complications associated with untreated insomnia include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Other mental health disorders
• Slowed reaction times
• Poor school or work performance

You might also suffer reduced athletic performance.

What causes insomnia?

The cause of your insomnia might be unclear, but it could be related to stress, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lack of exercise, or frequent changes in your routine and bedtime.

Your insomnia risk increases if you sleep poorly, take certain medications, have mental health conditions that cause insomnia, or are female or elderly.

Avoid large meals, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed to reduce your insomnia risk. Get regular exercise, keep your stress levels low, and follow a set routine. Limit or avoid naps late in the day, and sleep in a cool, dark room.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

Dr. Somers can diagnose insomnia after reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. He completes a  psychological evaluation by asking a series of questions about your behavior patterns and mood. You might also be asked to have a physical and laboratory work done to investigate other causes of your symptoms.  

How is insomnia treated?

Insomnia treatments include:

• Making lifestyle changes to improve your sleep quality
• Taking medicines or dietary supplements
• Trying stress-reduction techniques
• Attending counseling

Dr. Somers might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy or other forms of psychotherapy to improve your sleep patterns and overall quality of life.

Call the Nevada Family Psychiatry office today to be screened and treated for insomnia. You can also use the online “request an appointment” tab.