What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that causes problems with falling or staying asleep. It can also cause you to wake up too early so you never have enough rest.
Short periods of insomnia happen to most adults at some point in their lives. When insomnia becomes chronic, however, it can have a debilitating effect on your mood, work or school performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. Constant sleep deprivation also compromises your safety and physical health.
While most common in adults, insomnia also occurs in children and teenagers.
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
When you regularly can’t fall or stay asleep, additional symptoms arise. Symptoms of insomnia include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Poor concentration
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Increased errors, mistakes, and accidents
- Persistent worry about sleep
Chronic insomnia can lead to substance abuse and addiction, as well as an increased risk for dangerous medical conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.
What causes insomnia?
Poor sleep hygiene often contributes to insomnia. If you don’t have a regular sleep schedule, eat late at night, or work irregular hours, you might develop it. It also arises due to many additional factors, such as:
- Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
- Stress
- Digestive issues
- Medications
- Thyroid disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome
Insomnia occurs more frequently in people over the age of 60 and it affects more women than men.
How is insomnia treated?
The compassionate experts at Compass Mental Health & Wellness treat insomnia using a combination of natural remedies, counseling techniques, and medication when needed. Your provider designs a personalized plan to help you get the rest you need while addressing any underlying conditions.
Your comprehensive treatment plan for insomnia may include:
- Sleep analysis
- Counseling
- Medication management
- Mindfulness techniques
- Lifestyle changes
- Nutritional counseling
- Exercise recommendations
Working closely with your provider, you can identify emotional issues that contribute to your insomnia. Over time, you’ll improve your physical health and emotional well-being so it’s easier to get the rest you need and restore your quality of life.
To end the frustration and distress of chronic insomnia, call Compass Mental Health & Wellness to schedule a confidential evaluation or book online today.
