Does this scenario sound familiar? You feel tired throughout the day, but when it comes to bedtime, you simply cannot turn off your brain. You lie awake in bed trying everything to fall asleep, but it doesn’t happen. Or maybe you wake up in the middle of the night and discover going back to dreamland is impossible? Insomnia is a real condition that can affect your quality of life, but why does it happen? Keep reading to learn what causes it and why seeing a professional may be the answer.
Why Can’t You Fall or Stay Asleep? The Causes of Insomnia
There are many reasons why you might suffer from insomnia, but they ultimately fall into two categories: non-medical and medical.
Non-medical situations that can cause insomnia include:
- Poor sleeping environment (i.e., bright lights)
- Change in your work schedule
- Loud noises (inside and outside your home)
- Medications that treat everything from asthma and allergies to depression and high blood pressure
- Poor lifestyle habits (i.e., going to bed at a different time each night, watching TV in bed, using a smartphone before bed, etc.)
- Eating a snack or a meal right before bedtime
- Stress
If these do not appear to be what is keeping you up at night, it may be that you are suffering from a medical condition, like cancer, chronic pain, stress, diabetes, etc.
Sleep apnea can also be the reason, as it causes frequent interruptions throughout the night as the body attempts to wake up to start breathing again. Another similar sleep disorder is restless leg syndrome, which can make falling asleep increasingly difficult if you feel the urge or need to move your legs because of the discomfort.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
There are countless products available on the market that promote better sleep for those who experience insomnia; however, if you want professional help that is worth the investment, schedule an appointment with a sleep expert.
This visit will allow you to discuss your symptoms (i.e., daytime fatigue, restlessness, irritability, etc.) and health history with a member of the team. Once they gather the information, they can develop a treatment plan that includes a sleep study, either in a lab or in the comfort of your home.
A trusted physician will analyze the collected data and determine what might be the cause of your insomnia. Based on this information, possible treatment might look like:
- Avoiding naps throughout the day
- Stopping the use of screens several hours before bedtime
- Exercising more frequently
- Relaxation, cognitive, or stimulus control therapy
- Herbal supplements
There is no need to continue missing out on valuable sleep. Meeting with an expert can help you obtain the tools you need to start resting better and functioning at your best each day.
About the Practice
Star Sleep & Wellness in Dallas is a specialized practice devoted to helping individuals who desire better sleep. Our team of specialists offers more than treatment options for OSA, though. We also provide solutions for those who struggle with the inability to fall and stay asleep, also known as insomnia. If you are experiencing restless nights, contact us to find out how our team can help.