Insomnia

Insomnia is the term used to describe the challenge of not being able to sleep adequately. While this may seem straightforward at first glance, numerous elements can impact one's ability to fall asleep.

In some instances, it might be as straightforward as jet lag. In others, stress or a traumatic event might play a significant role. Identifying the root causes of insomnia is crucial for regaining control over one's health and life.

Dealing with insomnia can heavily impact your day-to-day life, resulting in fatigue, mood swings, and diminished effectiveness at work or in educational environments.

At Elevate Psychiatry, our team of mental health experts are committed to supporting you throughout your treatment journey. We aim to alleviate the effects of insomnia, enabling you to take back control of your life.

Signs and symptoms of insomnia can show themselves in many different ways. Key indicators of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking up often during the night and finding it hard to go back to sleep
• Waking up earlier than intended in the morning
• Challenges with concentration or focus during the day
• An increase in errors or accidents
• Ongoing worries about sleep
• Feeling like sleep wasn't restorative
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Mood swings, including irritability, sadness, or nervousness

Acknowledging these symptoms is vital for diagnosing insomnia and pursuing suitable treatment to enhance sleep quality and general health.

A variety of elements, such as lifestyle habits, physical health conditions, and psychological issues, can lead to insomnia. Key causes and risk factors include:

• Stress: Worrying about aspects like work, education, health, or family can hinder one's ability to wind down and fall asleep.
• Irregular sleep routines: Fluctuating bedtimes, involving oneself in stimulating activities before bed, and an uncomfortable sleeping setting can contribute to insomnia.
• Psychological disorders: Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, can disrupt normal sleep patterns.
• Physical health issues: Conditions that result in chronic pain or make breathing difficult can interfere with sleep.
• Certain medications: Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can have insomnia as a side effect.
• Stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol: Consuming these substances, particularly late in the day, can affect sleep quality.
• Changes due to aging: Older adults may notice changes in sleep patterns, potentially leading to insomnia.

Recognizing these triggers is essential for effectively tackling and managing insomnia.

Insomnia can be classified into different types depending on its cause, duration, and specific traits.

• Chronic Insomnia: This form persists for more than six months and is often linked to underlying medical issues like chronic pain, migraines, or depression. Factors such as alcohol, stimulants, and certain medications may also play a role in sustaining chronic insomnia.
• Intermittent Insomnia: This temporary yet recurring type of insomnia can last up to six months. It's typically triggered by stressors such as bereavement, financial difficulties, or significant injuries. Environmental disruptions like noise can also contribute to it.
• Transient Insomnia: This short-term insomnia arises from stressful situations like upcoming exams, deadlines, or new job challenges. It usually resolves within a week.

Insomnia is also categorized based on its association with other health problems into primary or secondary types.

• Primary Insomnia is an independent condition, not associated with any other health problems.
• Secondary Insomnia, also known as comorbid insomnia, occurs in conjunction with another medical or psychological issue.

Another subset of classifications is based on the behavior attributed to the insomnia itself, such as:

• Onset Insomnia is marked by challenges in falling asleep.
• Maintenance Insomnia is defined by difficulties in staying asleep.
• Behavioral Insomnia in childhood includes behaviors such as resisting going to bed, trouble falling asleep, or often waking up during the night. It impacts roughly one in four children.

Additionally, mixed insomnia combines various aspects of the aforementioned types.

Usually, a healthcare provider will diagnose insomnia through a comprehensive assessment.

You may be referred to a sleep specialist for an in-depth evaluation in certain cases. This could involve an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any additional sleep disorders.

Alternatively, you might be able to perform a sleep study in your home. While not as thorough as a clinic-based overnight study, it can still offer important insights for diagnosis.

Multiple approaches are available to treat insomnia, customized based on the underlying reasons and the severity of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or several of these methods.

If you're experiencing insomnia, it's important to consult a healthcare expert. Getting help early on can enhance treatment effectiveness and boost your quality of life.

At Elevate Psychiatry, we offer a number of services to help you understand and identify the factors influencing your insomnia. We help you create a treatment plan tailored to your medical needs that treats the symptoms and the heart of the issue itself.

Book an appointment online or get in touch with us at one of our three locations:

• Coconut Grove:   (305) 908-1115
• Doral:    (305) 908-1115
• Brickell:    (305) 908-1115