Insomnia

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arif Noorbaksh

Insomnia is more than just a bad night's sleep.

Struggling with sleep can be debilitating, and when you are struggling to find the root cause of your inability to go to sleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested, the experience can feel overwhelming. Even when the cause is known, developing a plan to improve sleep quality quickly and reliably can be hard to do on your own.

Chronic insomnia can lead to significant distress, impair daily functioning, and contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Insomnia can have multiple causes, including mental health issues (depression, anxiety), lifestyle factors, stress, poor sleep habits, and biological factors. Identifying the root cause can be challenging.

Most often sleep aid medications are intended to be temporary as they carry a high risk for dependence and other adverse side effects when not taken as directed. It's important to work with a medical professional if you are experiencing sleep trouble. Psychotherapy has also been shown to improve sleep quality and may help you get better Zzzzs while you are taking medication, and also as you are weaning off. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based treatment that has been shown to be effective in improving sleep quality. It can be used alone or in conjunction with medications to help manage insomnia.

At Therapath we are committed to helping you not only sleep better, but feel better. We provide a team of support to uncover why you are experiencing insomnia, tailor a treatment plan that safely addresses your concerns, monitor for any other mental health concerns that may be contributing to sleepless nights, and ensure treatment modalities are effectively supporting better sleep with minimal risk.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Inability to fall asleep
  • Inability to stay asleep
  • Waking up frequently during the night
  • Not feeling rested upon waking
  • Tossing, turning, and racing thoughts at night
  • Fatigue, brain fog, poor focus, and irritability during the day
  • Physical symptoms such as low energy, digestive concerns, and headaches

Insomnia can be frustrating and extended periods of poor sleep can contribute to additional health concerns. Your sleep is important. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms of insomnia every night, but your sleep is disrupted on a somewhat regular basis it is important to share that information with your healthcare team so that you can find ways to address it before the problems grow.

Treatment Options that May Help

If you are struggling with insomnia one of our psychiatrists will offer a full assessment to better understand the nature of your insomnia and develop a treatment plan that aligns with your symptoms, health history, preferences, and goals. You may also work with a team of psychiatric clinicians and psychotherapists to develop great sleep habits and address any mental health concerns that may be contributing to your sleepless nights.