Insomnia

The inability to sleep can be a waking nightmare if it becomes a chronic problem. You might have insomnia for many reasons, and Careen Tetuh, PMHNP-BC, at Psych Health and Wellness, PLLC, in Katy, Texas, can help you find out what’s causing yours. She also offers a range of treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and expert advice on getting a good night’s sleep. Find out how to overcome your insomnia by calling Psych Health and Wellness, PLLC today. You can also request an appointment using the online booking form.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is when you experience difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep, or waking up early. The result is that you don’t get the sleep you require. You need to spend time in each sleep state, including rapid eye movement (REM) and dreaming, to ensure good mental health.

Without the correct quantity of good-quality sleep, you likely experience chronic fatigue, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. Prolonged spells of insomnia can affect your physical health as well because your body doesn’t have time to do all the necessary repairs and tissue generation.

The amount of sleep you need depends on your unique make-up and factors like your age, but in general, seven to eight hours is about right. The odd occasion when you can’t sleep because you’re sick or nervous about the upcoming day isn’t going to have a severe impact, but chronic insomnia that occurs most nights requires expert treatment.

Why have I got insomnia?

Insomnia might develop as a symptom of a health problem or as a standalone issue. Some common causes of insomnia include:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Caffeine and other stimulants
• Chronic pain
• Sleep apnea
• Restless legs syndrome
• Hormone imbalances
• Aging

Medications that sometimes cause insomnia include antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and asthma medications. Some over-the-counter products contain stimulants that make it harder to sleep.

What can I do about my insomnia?

Psych Health and Wellness, PLLC begins by looking at what might be causing your insomnia. For instance, you might require a change in your medication or treatment for a condition like sleep apnea. Your provider also looks at your sleep habits. You might need to make changes like:

• Having a regular bedtime
• Avoiding long daytime naps
• Not using electronic devices before bed
• Eating earlier
• Having a warm bath before bed

A comfortable, supportive mattress and pillows, a peaceful environment, and having your bedroom at the right temperature can also help.

If you still have insomnia after making these changes, your provider might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Medications like sleeping pills may be helpful in the short term, but they can cause side effects in some people.

To find the solution to your insomnia, call Psych Health and Wellness, PLLC, today or book an appointment online.