Insomnia

About one in four people develop insomnia each year in the United States. If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, turn to My Psych Today in Katy, Texas. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Alaa Mhsen, PMHNP, provides highly effective treatments that help you get a better night’s rest and wake up feeling energized. Schedule an evaluation at My Psych Today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty staying or falling asleep. You might wake up too early or wake in the middle of the night and not be able to fall back to sleep. Insomnia can drain your energy, affect your mood, increase the risk of accidents, diminish work performance, affect your physical health, and lessen your quality of life when not addressed. 

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Insomnia can cause:

• Problems falling asleep
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Waking up during the night
• Waking up too early
• Depression, anxiety, or irritability 
• Errors or accidents
• Ongoing worry or stress about sleep
• Difficulty focusing
• Memory challenges

Short-term insomnia often lasts for several days or weeks and stems from stress or trauma. Long-term insomnia (chronic insomnia) lasts three months or longer. See Alaa at My Psych Today if poor sleep negatively affects your physical health, mental health, or quality of life. 

What are the risk factors for insomnia?

Insomnia risk factors include:

• Stress
• Traumatic life events
• Changes in work or travel schedules
• Lack of a routine sleep schedule
• Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or similar conditions
• Some medications
• Nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine
• Sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Certain medical conditions 
• Aging
• Hormonal changes
• Change in physical activity levels
• Menopause in women

Fortunately, numerous treatments available at My Psych Today can help you sleep soundly and wake up well-rested.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

Diagnosing insomnia involves a discussion about your symptoms and medical history, lifestyle habits, and medications. Alaa completes a psychiatric evaluation to screen for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions that may affect your sleep. He might order a sleep study and can tailor a plan that offers lasting results.

How is insomnia treated?

Treating insomnia may consist of making lifestyle changes, undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), completing treatment for other mental health concerns, taking dietary supplements, medication management, or a combination of treatments.

It’s important to keep a regular sleep schedule, sleep in a cool dark room, maintain an ideal weight, stay active (but not late at night), eat nutritious foods, and avoid naps late in the day. Avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and very large meals before bed — but don’t go to sleep hungry.

Follow up with Alaa to ensure a better night’s sleep, and call My Psych Today with any questions or concerns. 

Schedule an insomnia evaluation at My Psych Today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.