Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Persistent problems people with insomnia face include difficulty falling asleep, repeated waking, and/or falling back asleep after waking too early. You may also have insomnia if you regularly wake feeling unrefreshed despite allowing enough time for sleep.

Short-term insomnia may last for several days or weeks following stress, illness, travel, or a change in routine. Chronic insomnia occurs at least three nights a week for three months or longer and affects how you function during the day.

What causes insomnia?

Many physical, emotional, and environmental factors can interfere with sleep. Common causes include:

• Stress, anxiety, or depression
• Pain or chronic illness
• Menopause and hormonal changes
• Irregular work schedules
• Caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine
• Certain medications
• An uncomfortable sleep environment
• Poor sleep habits
• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome

Sometimes several factors contribute. Identifying them helps your provider create an effective, personalized care plan.

How does a virtual insomnia assessment work?

During a secure video appointment, your NP Healthcare Group provider asks about your:

• Sleep pattern
• Bedtime routine
• Daytime symptoms
• General health

They also review your medications, caffeine and alcohol use, emotional well-being, and any symptoms that might indicate another sleep disorder.

Completing a sleep diary before your appointment gives your provider valuable information. Record when you go to bed, how long you take to fall asleep, how often you wake, and when you get up.

Your provider may recommend laboratory tests if thyroid disease, hormonal changes, or another medical condition could contribute to poor sleep.

Symptoms like loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or persistent daytime sleepiness may require a sleep study or specialist assessment.

How do you treat insomnia?

Treatment depends on the cause, duration, and effect of your symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) helps change thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate sleep difficulties. Your provider may recommend therapy or coordinate a referral when appropriate.

Your care plan may also include:

• Maintaining consistent sleep and wake times
• Reducing evening caffeine and alcohol
• Developing a relaxing bedtime routine
• Limiting screens before bed
• Adjusting the bedroom environment
• Addressing anxiety, depression, pain, or other underlying conditions
• Noncontrolled medication when suitable

Arrange an assessment if insomnia persists, affects your daily functioning, or causes distress. Seek urgent support if sleep loss accompanies severe mood changes, hallucinations, unsafe behavior, or thoughts of self-harm.

Contact NP Healthcare Group to schedule a private virtual consultation by calling or booking online today.