Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or return to sleep after waking too early, even when you have enough time and opportunity to rest.

Occasional sleepless nights are common, but persistent insomnia can interfere with your energy, mood, concentration, and overall quality of life.

Insomnia may be short-term, lasting a few days or weeks, or chronic, occurring at least three nights per week for three months or longer.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can develop for several reasons, including:

• Chronic stress or anxiety
• Depression or other mental health conditions
• Traumatic experiences
• Irregular sleep schedules
• Certain medications
• Chronic pain or medical conditions
• Excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Changes in your daily routine
• Poor sleep habits

Mental health conditions and insomnia often influence one another. For example, anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep, while ongoing sleep deprivation may worsen anxiety symptoms.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Common symptoms of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking frequently throughout the night
• Waking earlier than intended
• Feeling tired despite spending enough time in bed
• Daytime fatigue or low energy
• Irritability or mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
• Increased anxiety about sleep
• Reduced performance at work or school

Over time, untreated insomnia can affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

Tammie provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations at Mindful Mental Health to better understand your sleep patterns, symptoms, medical history, and emotional well-being.

She may ask about your bedtime routine, stress levels, medications, and existing mental health conditions. Keeping a sleep diary can also help identify patterns contributing to your symptoms.

If another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, is suspected, Tammie may recommend additional testing or a referral to a sleep specialist.

How is insomnia treated?

Insomnia treatment focuses on identifying contributing factors, improving sleep habits, and addressing underlying mental health concerns.

Depending on your needs, your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or referral to a qualified provider
• Medication management when appropriate
• Stress and anxiety management
• Relaxation and mindfulness techniques
• Sleep hygiene education
• Lifestyle modifications
• Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions

CBT-I is generally recommended as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. It helps you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that interfere with restful sleep.

Tammie works with you to develop a personalized approach that supports healthier sleep patterns and long-term emotional well-being.

To learn more about insomnia treatment, schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment at Mindful Mental Health by phone or online today.