Insomnia services

What causes insomnia? 

Insomnia can have many causes, and you may deal with several at once. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Work concerns
• Relationship problems
• Financial worries
• Grief
• Major life changes
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Physical health conditions
• Changes in hormones
• Medications

Chronic pain may contribute as well. Lifestyle factors such as irregular sleep schedules, shift work, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and using electronic devices close to bedtime can interfere with healthy sleep patterns.

Insomnia is sometimes related to another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or a circadian rhythm disorder. A comprehensive evaluation helps identify potential causes.

When should I seek help for insomnia? 

Talk to Sharon if you regularly have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and cannot get back to sleep.

You should especially consider an evaluation when poor sleep is affecting your mood, concentration, work, relationships, or daytime functioning. When insomnia occurs at least three nights a week for three months or longer, it is generally considered chronic insomnia.

Keeping a sleep diary for one to two weeks before your appointment can be helpful. Recording your bedtime, wake time, nighttime awakenings, naps, caffeine or alcohol use, and how rested you feel can give Sharon valuable information about your sleep patterns.

How can psychiatric support address insomnia? 

Psychiatric care can be especially helpful if your insomnia is connected to anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or another mental health condition. During your evaluation, Sharon can review your sleep patterns, mental health history, medications, lifestyle, and other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. 

Your personalized treatment may include:

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. CBT-I helps you identify thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep and develop healthier sleep patterns. It may incorporate relaxation techniques, stimulus control, sleep scheduling, and cognitive strategies.

Medication

Sharon may also recommend medication management when appropriate.

Lifestyle changes

Healthy sleep habits can complement professional treatment. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, limiting caffeine and alcohol near bedtime, exercising regularly, and developing a relaxing nighttime routine may all support better sleep.

If insomnia is keeping you from feeling like yourself, psychiatric support can help you understand the underlying causes and develop a personalized plan for healthier, more restorative sleep.

Book your appointment at Mindwellness Psychiatry LLC today by calling the office or scheduling online now.