Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomnia can impact both sleep quantity and quality. It is also a fairly common disorder, with one third of adults reporting insomnia symptoms. Those suffering from insomnia typically experience fatigue, depressed or anxious moods, and difficulty concentrating. Although difficult to deal with, insomnia can be treated through therapy and/or medication.
Insomnia symptoms
Symptoms of insomnia can be characterized by one or more of the following:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Waking up early and being unable to fall back asleep
- Difficulty sleeping at least three nights a week for at least three months
- Difficulty sleeping despite ample opportunity to sleep
- Notable distress or difficulty functioning due to lack of sleep
Insomnia can occur on its own. However, insomnia is also commonly a part of another mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other concerns
How is insomnia diagnosed?
A good evaluation will also include a description of the challenges related to sleep as well as a full mental health history to ensure that your insomnia is not part of another mental health condition. It’s important that you describe all of your symptoms in detail to your Geode provider, making sure to discuss the specifics of your sleep difficulties. Through this thorough evaluation, your provider can help you get to the bottom of potential causes for your insomnia, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your specific needs.
Treatment for insomnia
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, including insomnia. Talk therapy can take many different forms, so you and your therapist can work to find the best option for your specific situation, condition, and symptoms. Talk therapy can be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is a particular form of cognitive behavioral therapy that can be effective when your case of insomnia is not complicated by another disorder. Through CBT-I, you’ll work to identify and change behavioral and thinking patterns that can be interfering with your sleep.
Medication Management
Medications are also recommended when psychotherapy has not been successful or when the insomnia is severe. Our providers will make sure you get the proper treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and needs. This treatment will also include ongoing monitoring of your progress and symptoms, making sure to adjust medication doses and frequency as needed.
Medical Referral
If you’re experiencing an underlying medical condition on top of your insomnia, like difficulty breathing or pain in a specific area, our providers can help by providing a referral to a specialist to further help with your issues. For example, Geode could refer you to a provider that could perform a sleep study that involves overnight observation to help better understand the sleeping problems you’re having.
Get treated for insomnia at Geode Health
If you’re looking for insomnia therapy or treatment options near you, look through our list of locations to find a Geode Health practice near your home or simply schedule an appointment online. Our team will help you understand and treat your specific case of insomnia, so that you can start living a happier, healthier life.
If you are in crisis and in need of immediate support
Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741