Insomnia

This is a clock on a bed to show sleep

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restful, quality sleep. It can be acute (short-term) due to stress or lifestyle changes or chronic (long-term), lasting weeks or months. Poor sleep can significantly impact mental and physical health, leading to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk of anxiety and depression.

What Does Insomnia Feel Like?

Trouble sleeping affects both the body and mind, leading to symptoms such as:
✔ Trouble falling asleep, even when tired
✔ Waking up frequently during the night
✔ Waking up too early and struggling to fall back asleep
✔ Feeling unrefreshed or exhausted upon waking
✔ Daytime fatigue, irritability, and mood swings
✔ Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or brain fog

Lack of quality sleep can also increase the risk of stress, anxiety, depression, weakened immunity, and heart disease.

Why Is It Important to Treat Insomnia?

Chronic insomnia can lead to serious health concerns, including:
✔ Increased risk of anxiety and depression
✔ Weakened immune system and higher inflammation levels
✔ High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes risk
✔ Reduced work productivity and daily functioning
✔ Memory problems and cognitive decline

Addressing insomnia early is essential to prevent long-term health complications and restore a healthy sleep cycle.

Treatment Options for Insomnia

There are several approaches to treating insomnia, depending on its severity and underlying causes:

✔ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) – Helps address negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to poor sleep.
✔ Lifestyle & Sleep Hygiene Changes – Sticking to a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing nighttime routine can improve sleep quality.
✔ Stress Management Techniques – Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises help reduce stress and anxiety that interfere with sleep.
✔ Medication – In some cases, short-term sleep aids or prescription medications may be necessary, but they should be used cautiously to avoid dependency.
✔ Natural Supplements & Remedies – Certain supplements can help promote relaxation and improve sleep naturally.

Supplements That May Help With Insomnia

✔ Melatonin – Regulates the sleep-wake cycle and helps the body recognize bedtime.
✔ Magnesium – Supports muscle relaxation and nervous system function, helping ease stress.
✔ L-Theanine – Found in green tea, this amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
✔ Valerian Root – A natural herb known for its calming and sleep-inducing effects.
✔ Ashwagandha – Helps reduce stress and cortisol levels, supporting restful sleep.

Many supplements can help with difficulty sleeping. Let us help you find the combination that works best for you.

Find the Right Insomnia Treatment for You

Finding the right psychiatrist is important. At Bleyan General and Integrative Psychiatry, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to treating insomnia by finding the root cause. 

If insomnia is affecting your life, contact us today to explore personalized treatment options and take the first step toward better sleep and improved well-being.