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Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomia

Is characterized by an inability to fall asleep and/or remain asleep for a reasonable period of time. Insomniacs typically complain of being unable to close their eyes or “rest their mind” for more than a few minutes at a time. Both organic and nonorganic insomnia constitute a sleep disorder. It is often caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, or sometimes for no apparent reason. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be a cause. Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is necessary to treat it.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder that’s characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. insomnia often leads to extreme fatigue during the day, irritability, and a decreased overall sense of well-being. There are many potential causes of insomnia including stress, anxiety, depression, and even certain medications. Treating insomnia is critical to ensure that you get high-quality sleep and feel motivated during the day. 

If you’re suffering from insomnia, reach out to the Sleep & CPAP Center in Rancho Cucamonga today to schedule your in-house or home sleep test. Our doctors can monitor your sleeping patterns and diagnose insomnia if that is the case. They can also provide you with solutions that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.

Behavioral and lifestyle changes

One of the very first steps for treating insomnia is establishing a regular sleep and wake schedule. Believe it or not, this can help many insomnia patients within just a few days of having a regular sleep and wake-time routine. Additional lifestyle changes that can drastically help insomnia include limiting screen time before bed, establishing a bedtime routine, and avoiding things like caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol use.

There are also a variety of relaxation techniques that can help you prepare for bedtime. these include things like meditation, reading, and yoga to help reduce anxiety and stress before bedtime. Regular exercise during the day has also been proven to dramatically improve sleep quality. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or remain asleep during the night, we highly recommend you begin integrating some or all of the above lifestyle changes into your daily routine.

Medications for insomnia

There are many medications available to help treat insomnia, both over-the-counter and prescription. Over-the-counter options include medications like melatonin which can help you fall asleep faster and get your body’s sleep-wake cycle back on track. 

Prescription options include medications like Ambien, benzodiazepines, and a variety of other prescription sleep medications that fall into the same categories. Antidepressants are also sometimes used to treat insomnia in cases where the insomnia is related to depression or anxiety. 

Prior to taking any medications, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor to make sure the medication is not going to conflict with any other medications you’re taking or cause problems for any potentially underlying health issues. Some of the medications used to treat insomnia also carry long-term side effects or can be addictive, as is the case with benzodiazepines.

Complementary and alternative therapies

There are many complementary and alternative therapy options that may be able to help you with falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. Some of the most popular options include acupuncture, herbal remedies, hypnosis, and essential oils. Many of these therapies are considered a safer alternative to medications – but it’s still important to consult with your healthcare professional prior to taking part in any alternative therapies. 

Impact of insomnia on your quality of life

If you’re suffering from insomnia, you already know that a lack of sleep has a significant impact on virtually every area of your life. Chronic insomnia can contribute to a variety of health issues including depression and anxiety. Additionally, individuals with insomnia have a higher risk for certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. People with insomnia may also be at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Needless to say, if you’re suffering from insomnia it’s important to make the necessary lifestyle changes and consult with a sleep study expert who can help you regain your quality of life.

Primary vs secondary insomnia

Primary insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both but is not caused by an underlying medical condition. Primary insomnia may be caused by lifestyle factors, stress, jet lag, or an improper sleep schedule, for example. 

Secondary insomnia, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying condition. It may be caused by chronic pain, medications, addiction, or another underlying condition that is directly causing insomnia. Secondary insomnia is often a symptom of a larger problem and may require treatment of the underlying condition in addition to treating the insomnia itself. A sleep professional will be able to assist in distinguishing whether or not you have primary or secondary insomnia.

Contact The Sleep & CPAP Center Today

Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder that can affect many people and has a significant effect on your overall quality of life. if you are having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, then reach out to The Sleep & CPAP Center in Rancho Cucamonga today. Our experts can help you discover whether or not you have primary or secondary insomnia and assist you in getting high-quality sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed and motivated again.

If you’re ready to treat your insomnia, call the sleep lab at (909) 987-3535