WHAT IS INSOMNIA?
Insomnia, an extremely common sleep disorder, is classified as the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep. The condition can cause difficulty falling asleep at night, waking often during the night and being unable to return to sleep or waking early in the morning before planned. Affecting more women than men, it may be classified as acute, chronic, intermittent or transient.
ACUTE INSOMNIA
Physicians classify the sleep disorder by how long it lasts and how often it occurs. The sleep experts at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond will also try to determine the cause of the condition and if it is related to another health issue. Acute insomnia can be caused by:
- Excessive worry
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Life circumstances
- Jet lag
- Shift work
- Illness
- Stimulants such as nicotine, caffeine or alcohol
- Certain over-the-counter medications taken for an illness
TREATMENT FOR INSOMNIA
Acute insomnia generally requires no medical intervention as symptoms will usually go away on their own by practicing better sleep habits and making lifestyle modifications. People experiencing chronic insomnia should consult with their physician before taking over-the-counter sleep aids to determine if there is an underlying cause.
There are cognitive and behavioral treatments that can help people who suffer with the disorder, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Relaxation training
- Mindfulness and meditation exercises
- Breathing exercises
- Stimulus control
At Pulmonary Associates of Richmond, our sleep experts have experience in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, and we will develop a treatment plan designed to target the root cause of yours. Our treatments include cognitive and behavioral therapy as well as medications that can be used temporarily to help restore your sleep and quality of life.