What is insomnia?

Insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder. When you have insomnia, you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You may also wake up too early and be unable to go back to sleep. 

Sleep is essential for a healthy, happy, and productive life. Without a good night’s sleep, you can feel tired, irritable, and foggy-headed throughout the day. This may affect your performance at work or school and cause problems in your personal relationships.

How do I know if I have insomnia?

Many people experience occasional sleep disturbances, especially during times of stress. But if you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep for at least three nights a week for three months or more, you may have clinical insomnia. 

Insomnia symptoms include:

• Lying awake for a long time before you fall asleep

• Staying awake for most of the night

• Sleeping for only short periods

• Waking up too early 

• Feeling unrefreshed during the day

These symptoms can lead to other problems like difficulty concentrating on tasks. Lack of sleep can also affect your mood, causing irritability, depression, and/or anxiety. If insomnia affects your quality of life, the team can help.

What causes insomnia?

Sometimes, insomnia is the primary problem. In other cases, insomnia is a symptom of an underlying condition. Many psychiatric, neurological, and medical disorders can cause insomnia, including the following: 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Substance use and addiction

• Parkinson’s disease

• Menopause

• Overactive thyroid

• Chronic pain, including arthritis and back pain

• Restless leg syndrome

Certain medications, including antidepressants and asthma treatments, can also interfere with sleep. Many lifestyle factors also contribute to insomnia, including stress, poor sleep habits, and travel.

How is insomnia treated?

First, your counselor listens to you describe your specific symptoms and lifestyle habits during an in-person interview. Then, they recommend a personalized treatment plan for insomnia. If your sleep problems stem from another condition or lifestyle factor, they treat that first. 

Depending on your needs, insomnia treatment may include talk therapy, medication management, or a combination of both.  

To learn how to get the restful sleep you deserve, call Pure Psychiatry of Michigan or request an appointment online today.