Overview of Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that prevents individuals from being able to get enough sleep to function efficiently during the daytime. Insomnia can make it hard for one to fall asleep, stay asleep, or may cause them to wake up too early. It is often a symptom of another illness, but can also be a result of one’s work schedule, lifestyle, or other factors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of insomnia may vary but often include:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Waking up throughout the night
- Waking up earlier than desired
- Not feeling well-rested after a night’s sleep
- Feeling tired throughout the day
- Irritability
- Depression or anxiety
- Trouble sustaining focus
Causes
There is no one cause to insomnia, but contributing factors can include:
- Stress from work, school, or more can often make sleeping difficult. Stressful life events can also lead to insomnia.
- Work schedules such as varying shift times can lead to insomnia.
- Habits that include irregular bedtimes can make it harder to sleep. Activities such as eating before bed, using your phone in bed, and more, can also be contributing factors.
- Age plays a role as insomnia becomes more likely with age.
- Mental health disorders commonly cause troubles with insomnia.
Treatment
When treating insomnia, it is important to consider any underlying conditions that may create or worsen insomnia symptoms. Many find creating good sleep habits to be a great first step. In addition to creating better habits, there are treatment options available. Treatment plans vary but commonly include:
- Creating healthy sleeping habits is a great way to start. This includes sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine or energizing activities during the evening, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
- Exercise during the day can help you sleep better at night. We suggest speaking with your health care provider to see what type of exercise might be right for you.
- Practicing relaxation techniques can help you calm down and feel ready to sleep.
- Herbal remedies including melatonin and valerian root are available “over-the-counter” and have been found to be beneficial to many. The effectiveness of these treatments has not been proven, however, and neither treatment has been approved by the FDA.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is often used to treat insomnia. It helps teach individuals how to control negative thoughts or worries that might be keeping them awake.
- Medication may be used in the treatment of an individual’s insomnia, but only some medications are recommended by healthcare professionals for long-term use.
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more about insomnia, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more about insomnia, the following resources are suggested:
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