Insomnia
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful sleep. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Waking up too early and unable to go back to sleep
- Poor-quality sleep
While insomnia can occur despite having enough time to sleep, it is different from sleep deprivation, where individuals lack the opportunity for a full night’s rest.
Types of Insomnia
- Primary Insomnia: Sleep disturbances without an underlying medical or psychiatric
- Secondary Insomnia: Caused by conditions like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or substance use.
Causes
Insomnia may result from biological, psychological, or environmental factors. Stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep habits, or hormonal imbalances can all interfere with sleep.
Treatment Options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-I): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that hinder sleep.
- Sleep Hygiene: Developing consistent bedtime routines and a sleep-friendly
- Relaxation Techniques: Methods like meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress and improve sleep.
- Medication: Prescription sleep aids like non-benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and other medications may be recommended when necessary.
Seeking Help
If insomnia is affecting your quality of life, Better Living Mental Health offers personalized treatment plans, combining psychiatric care with evidence-based therapies to help you restore healthy sleep patterns.