Insomnia

Insomnia Treatment

Better Sleep Starts With Understanding the Cause

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get enough restful sleep. It may also involve waking too early and being unable to return to sleep.

Occasional difficulty sleeping is common. However, when sleep problems happen regularly and begin affecting your mood, concentration, energy, work, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be time to seek professional help.

At Solidbase Behavioral Health, we provide personalized evaluation and treatment for insomnia and sleep difficulties, with the goal of helping you understand what may be affecting your sleep and developing a treatment plan that fits your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Insomnia

Insomnia can affect both nighttime sleep and daytime functioning. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Frequently waking during the night
• Waking too early and being unable to fall back asleep
• Feeling that sleep is not refreshing
• Daytime fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Irritability or changes in mood
• Excessive worry about sleep
• Reduced motivation or difficulty functioning during the day

Sleep difficulties can occur on their own or alongside conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, or other medical and sleep-related conditions.

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia can be classified in different ways depending on its pattern and duration.

Short-Term Insomnia

Short-term insomnia may occur for days or weeks and can be associated with stress, significant life changes, illness, travel, changes in schedule, or other temporary circumstances.

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia involves persistent sleep difficulties that occur regularly over an extended period and are associated with daytime impairment. Chronic insomnia may require a comprehensive evaluation to identify contributing factors and determine appropriate treatment.

What Can Cause or Contribute to Insomnia?

Insomnia can have many possible causes. Common contributing factors include:

• Stress and major life changes
• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Depression and other mental health conditions
• Irregular sleep schedules
• Shift work or frequent schedule changes
• Excessive caffeine or nicotine use
• Certain medications
• Alcohol or substance use
• Chronic pain or medical conditions
• Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome
• Poor sleep habits or an environment that interferes with sleep

Sometimes there is no single obvious cause. A thorough evaluation can help identify factors that may be contributing to your sleep difficulties.

How Is Insomnia Diagnosed?

Insomnia is primarily diagnosed through a clinical evaluation. Your provider may ask about your sleep patterns, bedtime routine, daytime symptoms, medications, caffeine and substance use, mental health, medical history, and other factors that may affect sleep.

A sleep diary or sleep-tracking information may also be helpful.

When symptoms suggest another sleep disorder or medical condition, additional evaluation or referral to a sleep specialist may be appropriate.

Treatment for Insomnia

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity, duration, and individual needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. It addresses thoughts, behaviors, and habits that can contribute to ongoing sleep difficulties.

CBT-I may include strategies such as:

• Establishing consistent sleep and wake times
• Stimulus control
• Sleep restriction or sleep compression when clinically appropriate
• Addressing unhelpful thoughts and worries about sleep
• Developing healthier sleep habits
• Learning relaxation and stress-management techniques

Medication Management

In some situations, medication may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan. Medication choice depends on factors such as age, medical history, other medications, sleep pattern, potential side effects, and the underlying cause of insomnia.

Medication is not appropriate or necessary for everyone, and long-term use of some sleep medications may carry risks. Your provider can discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before starting or changing treatment.

Lifestyle and Sleep Habits

Healthy sleep habits can support treatment and improve sleep quality. Depending on your individual circumstances, recommendations may include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule
• Limiting caffeine, particularly later in the day
• Creating a comfortable, quiet, and dark sleep environment
• Limiting stimulating activities close to bedtime
• Using the bed primarily for sleep and intimacy
• Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine
• Exercising regularly while avoiding vigorous exercise too close to bedtime

Insomnia Treatment at Solidbase Behavioral Health

At Solidbase Behavioral Health, we take a personalized approach to evaluating and treating insomnia. We look beyond sleep symptoms to understand potential contributing factors, including mental health, medications, lifestyle, stress, and other medical or sleep-related concerns.

Our psychiatric services may include comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, patient education, and individualized treatment planning.

Through secure telehealth appointments, patients can receive convenient psychiatric care from home, subject to applicable state laws and prescribing requirements.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

You don’t have to continue struggling with sleepless nights and exhausting days.

If difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep is affecting your quality of life, Solidbase Behavioral Health can help you explore the possible causes and appropriate treatment options.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss your sleep concerns and develop a personalized plan for better sleep and improved well-being.