Insomnia

Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, can be both a sign and a contributing factor to various mental health conditions. At Active Healing Psychiatric Services in  Gilbert, Arizona, Michaela Beaver, DNP, can tell you if your insomnia is a sign of an underlying condition and treat it accordingly. For more information on insomnia and insomnia treatments, call today or click the online booking button. 

How can I tell if I have insomnia?

Having insomnia means you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for the duration of your sleeping period. You may wake up intermittently throughout the night, or you may stay up waiting and trying to fall asleep without much success.

Insomnia can have far-reaching effects in your everyday life, even during the day when you’re awake. Because you didn’t get sufficient sleep, you may feel drowsy or tired all day. Insomnia can also cause:

• Forgetfulness
• Trouble concentrating
• A higher risk of accidents
• Irritability
• Anxiety

Insomnia symptoms tend to get worse the more often you have trouble sleeping. Fortunately, there are ways to manage insomnia to get the sleep you need.  

Can insomnia be a symptom of a mental health condition?

Insomnia can be a problem all on its own, but it can also be a sign or complication of a mental health disorder. Insomnia can also intensify symptoms of mental health conditions, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break. 

Your insomnia may or may not be linked to:

• Bipolar disorder, including both manic and depressive episodes
• Major depressive disorder (also called depression)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

A comprehensive mental health evaluation at Active Healing Psychiatric Services can tell you more about the state of your mental health and whether insomnia is connected to one or more conditions. 

How can I improve my sleep if I have insomnia?

Consistently getting very little sleep can lead to complications when you’re awake, like trouble concentrating or a higher risk of accidents. To help you sleep better, Dr. Beaver may recommend:

Sleep hygiene practices

Sleep hygiene involves creating an environment and schedule that promotes consistent sleep. This can look a little different for everyone, but it can involve steps like going to bed at the same time every night, putting blackout curtains over your windows, avoiding screen time before bed, and limiting stimulants like caffeine during the afternoon. 

Herbal supplements

Some herbal supplements can make you drowsy to help you fall asleep. You can use these for short-term support as you develop a more consistent sleep routine. 

Lifestyle interventions

Some lifestyle changes can help regulate your circadian rhythm. These might include modifying your eating habits, getting more exercise, or spending more time outside in the sun. 

Call Active Healing Psychiatric Services or request an appointment online for insomnia support today.