Can’t Sleep? Everything You Need to Know About Insomnia
“Whatever helps you sleep at night” a witty comment used in conversation, but for some a stressful question they spend hours every night trying to figure out. Almost anything can cause an occasional night of tossing and turning: pain, a snoring spouse, situational stress or even excitement. Sleepless nights are often infrequent as their causes quickly resolve. However, if you find that your sleepless nights have turned life into one long day or you lay awake at night stressed about losing sleep, you may be experiencing insomnia.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it difficult for you to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or may cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep. According to a survey collected by the CDC in 2020 about14.5% of adults had trouble falling asleep most days or every day in the past 30 days. Over time a lack of sleep can not only exhaust your energy level and alter your mood, but negatively impact work performance and quality of life. Insomnia can also lead to health problems like diabetes, hypertension and weight gain.
Am I Experiencing Insomnia?
Common Symptoms:
Difficulty falling asleep at night
Frequent waking/ sleep disruption
Waking up too early
Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
Inattention, difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering
Agitation, depression, anxiety
Unrestful sleep
Increased errors or accidents
Types of Insomnia:
Primary Insomnia: Your sleep disturbance is not attributed to any other health condition or problem.
Secondary Insomnia: Your sleep disturbance is linked to a health condition such as anxiety, depression, alcohol use, or obstructive sleep apnea
Insomnia is often categorized by duration :
Chronic: This is long-lasting insomnia that exceeds six months. In many cases, a medical condition contributes to a lack of sleep, such as chronic pain, headaches, or depression. The use of alcohol, stimulants, and medication may also contribute to chronic insomnia.
Intermittent: This is temporary but longer-lasting insomnia that can occur for up to six months. Its causes are usually related to mental stress, such as losing a loved one, experiencing financial troubles, or suffering a serious injury. Sometimes simple sleep disturbance due to noise can also be a factor.
Transient: This is temporary insomnia that usually occurs because of a stressful event, such as an exam, looming deadline, or starting a new job. It often lasts for a week or less.
How Much Sleep do I Need?
The amount of sleep one requires varies from person to person, but most adults need seven to eight hours a night. Keep in mind that the quality of sleep matters just ask much as the quantity. In order for you to function at peak performance during the day, your sleep must be restful and refreshing. Tossing and turning or frequent brief interruptions in sleep can effect your sleep quality.
How is Insomnia Treated?
Acute/ Short term insomnia often resolves without treatment. However, if your lack of sleep is negatively affecting your daily life your psychiatric provider may recommend:
Medication management
Therapy
Life style modification
Nutrition coaching
Sleep hygiene coaching
When Should I See a Doctor About My Sleep Problems?
There is not a perfect answer to this question. Different sources will tell you to seek treatment for different reasons.
From our perspective, if you are currently online seeking answers because you are concerned about your inability to rest at night, then it is time to seek treatment. At Metamorphosis Psychcierge we understand that there are not enough hours in the day. You may be struggling with sleepless nights, but simply cannot find a few hours to go to visit a doctor’s office. Our home-visit concierge model will provide you with the accessibility that you need to make your mental health a priority. If you are looking for an attentive, empathetic and knowledgeable psychiatric provider request a consultation today.
Dr. Moore looks forward to discussing how the psychcierge lifestyle can get you on the road to mental prosperity.
