Insomnia Treatment with Bellaire Primary Care
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, even when a person has adequate time and suitable conditions for sleep. Key aspects of insomnia include:
- Symptoms:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Waking up during the night and struggling to go back to sleep
- Waking up too early
- Feeling unrefreshed upon waking
- Duration and frequency:
- Symptoms occur at least three nights per week
- Problems persist for at least one month
- Daytime effects:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes (irritability, anxiety)
- Difficulty with concentration or memory
- Impaired performance at work or school
- Types:
- Sleep-onset insomnia: Trouble falling asleep
- Sleep-maintenance insomnia: Difficulty staying asleep
- Mixed insomnia: Combination of both types
Treatment for insomnia typically involves a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches:
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I):
- Considered the first-line treatment
- Addresses thoughts and behaviors affecting sleep
- Includes techniques like stimulus control and sleep restriction
- Sleep Hygiene:
- Consistent sleep schedule
- Avoiding stimulants before bedtime
- Creating a comfortable sleep environment
- Relaxation Techniques:
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Exercise:
- Regular moderate-intensity exercise (not close to bedtime)
Pharmacological Treatments
- Benzodiazepines:
- Effective but carry risks of dependency and side effects
- Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics (Z-drugs):
- Shorter-acting with fewer side effects than benzodiazepines
- Melatonin Receptor Agonists:
- Helps regulate sleep-wake cycle
- Orexin Receptor Antagonists:
- Blocks wake-promoting neurotransmitters
- Over-the-Counter Options:
- Antihistamines
- Melatonin supplements