Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder. When you have insomnia, you can't fall asleep or stay asleep, and it can cause problems both at night and during the day. Insomnia can have a negative effect on nearly every aspect of your life. 

Chronic insomnia increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, depression, anxiety, diabetes, and even premature death, so it’s important to treat it effectively as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Insomnia symptoms vary by person, but most people experience at least a few of the following problems.

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Waking up before you're fully rested
• Feeling tired when you wake up
• Daytime drowsiness
• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability
• Poor work or school performance
• Poor concentration 

These issues are all strong indicators that you may have insomnia. 

When do I need treatment for insomnia?

Many people have occasional difficulties with sleep, but the issues generally abate quickly and without long-term effects. 

But, if you have chronic insomnia — sleeping difficulties for three or more nights a week continuing for at least three months — or if insomnia causes serious problems in your life, it's time to speak to the sleep medicine professionals at Sunit R. Patel, MD. 

What causes insomnia?

Common causes of chronic insomnia include sleep apnea, stress, poor sleep hygiene, asthma, chronic pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

To determine what caused your insomnia, the team performs an exam and reviews your medical history and lifestyle. You may also need a sleep study or pulmonary function testing to find underlying causes of insomnia.

What is the treatment for insomnia?

Insomnia treatment addresses the condition causing your insomnia. For example, if snoring and sleep apnea are causing your insomnia, you may need an oral appliance or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. 

If discomfort due to pulmonary problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is causing your insomnia, you may need inhalers with both short-acting and preventive medications. 

You may also need medication to induce restful sleep. Many people with insomnia find cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helpful, as well. 

In many cases, lifestyle or sleep habits contribute to insomnia. The team can help you make changes in your routine, diet, and other areas to improve your sleep in conjunction with your medical insomnia treatments.

For help with insomnia, call the Sunit R. Patel, MD, office nearest you or click on the online appointment maker.