Insomnia
Insomnia refers to a sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor quality sleep. It often leads to daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, mood disturbances, and overall decreased functioning. Insomnia can be caused by various factors such as stress, underlying medical conditions, medications, lifestyle choices, or disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, and it can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being and daily functioning.
Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep: Individuals with insomnia may experience prolonged periods of lying awake in bed before being able to fall asleep.
- Frequent awakenings during the night: Insomnia often involves waking up multiple times throughout the night and having trouble getting back to sleep.
- Non-restorative sleep: Even if individuals with insomnia manage to sleep for a reasonable duration, they may wake up feeling unrefreshed and tired.
- Daytime fatigue and impaired functioning: Insomnia can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, and decreased performance in daily activities.
Causes
- Stress and anxiety: Mental and emotional stress, such as work pressures, relationship issues, or financial worries, can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia.
- Poor sleep habits: Irregular sleep schedules, engaging in stimulating activities before bedtime, excessive napping, or an uncomfortable sleep environment can interfere with the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Medical conditions: Various medical conditions, including chronic pain, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid issues), and neurological conditions, can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia.
- Medications and substances: Certain medications, such as those for asthma, allergies, depression, and hypertension, can affect sleep patterns. Additionally, the use of substances like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt sleep.
- Disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle: Shift work, jet lag, or changes in routine (e.g., travel, daylight saving time) can disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm and make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at the desired times.
Treatment
Preston Eyerman, PMNHP, offers comprehensive treatment methods for insomnia, helping individuals achieve stability and improve their quality of life. His treatment approach includes a combination of medication management, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and personalized care plans tailored to each client’s unique needs. Through the telehealth platform at Preston’s Psychiatric Services, clients have the opportunity to meet with him from the comfort of their homes while receiving the highest standard of care for their insomnia.
