Insomnia

Why do I have insomnia?

Insomnia can make it very difficult for you to fall or stay asleep, which can lead to daytime grogginess and extreme fatigue. If these issues sound familiar, any of the following factors may be to blame:

• Stress (most common)
• Eating too much close to bedtime
• Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Poor sleep habits, such as irregular bedtimes
• Circadian rhythm issues due to work or travel schedules

In some cases, your prescription medications are to blame for your sleepless nights. In any case, insomnia is never something you should ignore because treatments are available. 

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

You should be getting about seven to eight hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep every night. While occasional bouts of reduced or limited sleep are probably nothing to worry about, if you experience any of the following symptoms for a month or more, it’s time to come to Boston Neurobehavioral Associates for an evaluation:

• Frequent injuries or accidents 
• Waking up frequently at night
• Daytime fatigue or tiredness 
• Not feeling well-rested during the day
• Poor focus or increased errors at work or school

It’s particularly important to visit Boston Neurobehavioral Associates if your insomnia is making it hard for you to function at work or school. Your provider performs a comprehensive physical exam and talks with you about your symptoms to determine which insomnia treatment you may need. 

How is insomnia treated?

Your practitioner at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates may combine multiple therapies to help resolve your insomnia as quickly and efficiently as possible. Insomnia treatment plans can include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy sessions
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Stimulus control therapy
• Breathing exercises 
• Light therapy 

In some cases, medications may be helpful, especially when combined with any of the therapies above. Prescription sleeping pills can either help you fall asleep or stay asleep (or both). The providers at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offer personalized medication management services to monitor all of your medications and ensure you’re taking the right drugs at the proper doses.

Boston Neurobehavioral Associates can help you manage insomnia, so you can enhance your sleep and resolve fatigue issues. Book your insomnia evaluation online or by phone at any location today.