Insomnia

Researchers estimate that between 10-30% of the population experiences insomnia. If you regularly have trouble falling asleep and it doesn’t improve with sleep hygiene, it could point to an underlying health problem. At Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group, the team diagnoses and treats insomnia. To make an appointment, call the office in Fairfax, Virginia, or book online today.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects your ability to fall or stay asleep. Everyone experiences difficulty falling asleep occasionally, but if it’s a recurring issue, it’s important to get help. That’s because poor sleep can bleed into other areas of your life, negatively affecting your job and relationships.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

The symptoms of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking up during the night
• Waking up too early
• Not feeling rested when you wake up
• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Difficulty paying attention

If you don’t get enough sleep, you’re also more likely to make errors or be involved in accidents.

When should I see a specialist about insomnia?

Make an appointment with the team at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group if you regularly experience difficulty sleeping and it interferes with your job or ability to function. That’s especially true if you’ve tried at-home changes, like going to bed at a specific time and avoiding caffeine.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

To diagnose insomnia, your Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group provider reviews your medical records and asks about your lifestyle, including when you go to bed, the severity of your daytime sleepiness, and if you drink coffee or other beverages with caffeine.

After gathering that information, your provider performs a physical exam. They also order lab tests, including blood work and urinalysis. If these measures don’t provide enough insight to make a diagnosis, your provider orders a sleep study.

A sleep study is an overnight test that monitors your eye movements, respiratory rate, brain and muscle activity, and blood oxygen levels.

How is insomnia treated?

Treatment for insomnia depends on various factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause. The team at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group might recommend:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Stimulus control therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Sleep restriction
• Remaining passively awake
• Light therapy
• Prescription medication

You might also benefit from healthy lifestyle changes. For example, sticking to a sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and avoiding naps can help you feel more tired at the end of the day.

To receive treatment for insomnia, make an appointment at Northern Virginia Psychiatric Group by calling the office or booking online today.