Insomnia

Insomnia is a widespread sleep disorder that can make it challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep. At Sincere Psychiatry in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Reginald J. Sincere, PMHNP-BC, and his team take a modern approach to insomnia. He creates personalized plans to improve your sleep that benefit your health now and in the future. You don’t have to endure sleepless nights any longer, as simple changes in your daily habits can help. Call the office to find out more, or schedule your telemedicine insomnia consultation online today.

Insomnia is a common sleep problem. It can make it difficult to fall asleep, prevent you from staying asleep, or cause you to wake too early and fail to get back to sleep.

How much sleep someone needs varies from person to person, but most adults need seven to eight hours a night. If you don’t achieve this, or your sleep isn’t restorative, you could suffer the consequences during the day.

You’re likely to still feel tired when you wake up and may be irritable. You might experience excessive sleepiness during the day. Insomnia can affect not only your energy and mood but also your physical health, work performance, and quality of life.

Adults often experience short-term (acute) insomnia that lasts days or weeks. However, some people have chronic (long-term) insomnia that lasts for several months or longer.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia has multiple possible causes. It may be the primary problem or result from other medical conditions or medication side effects.

Acute insomnia is usually the result of stress, an illness like the flu, or a traumatic event. Other insomnia causes include:

• Chronic pain
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Diabetes complications
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Dementia
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Medications for conditions ranging from high blood pressure to asthma and depression could cause insomnia. Other drugs could cause daytime drowsiness that interferes with nighttime sleeping. Coming off medications can also disrupt sleep while your mind and body adjust.

How is insomnia treated?

Successful treatment of insomnia begins with determining its cause. The Sincere Psychiatry team looks at every aspect of your life that could influence your ability to sleep, from your medications and physical health problems to mental health issues. Properly treating these conditions can significantly improve sleep quality and quantity.

The team also asks about your sleep habits. This includes what you usually do before bed, your sleeping environment, and what time you try to sleep. Based on this information, your therapist can offer helpful advice that might include:

• Regular bedtimes
• Not eating beforehand
• Avoiding screens before bed
• Changing your mattress and pillows
• Avoiding caffeine in the evening
• Adjusting your bedroom’s temperature and ventilation
• Taking a warm bath before bed

Many people find listening to something soothing or doing breathing exercises helps them get to sleep.

If insomnia is robbing you of vital sleep, call Sincere Psychiatry today. You can also book an in-person or telemedicine appointment online.