Occasional sleeplessness is normal, but if you have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, night after night, you could have insomnia. Your sleep medicine doctor can help. Dr. Jeremy McConnell at Florida Sleep Specialists provides comprehensive sleep medicine services, including diagnosis and treatment of insomnia. He has two convenient office locations in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL.
What You Should Know About Insomnia
These are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about insomnia, to help you understand the condition:
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is classified into two types, each with different characteristics and causes:
Acute insomnia – a typically temporary condition caused by stress or a stressful event. This type of insomnia usually doesn’t require treatment.
Chronic insomnia – a condition lasting at least 3 months, characterized by having difficulty sleeping at least 3 nights a week.
What causes chronic insomnia?
There are several factors that can cause chronic insomnia including changes to your work shift, changes in your environment, life stresses, new medications, or a medical condition.
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic insomnia?
When you have chronic insomnia, you may notice increased fatigue and drowsiness, problems with concentration and focus, mood swings, and irritability.
How does insomnia affect your body?
Sleep is very important because it’s how your body recharges itself. When you are sleep deprived, it can lead to a depressed immune system, leaving you vulnerable to illness and disease. Your judgment and reflexes may also be impaired, leading to difficulty driving or operating machinery.
How can I help myself get to sleep?
Try these easy ways to get to sleep:
- Avoid taking naps during the day
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- Limit your consumption of caffeine
- Don’t eat meals right before you go to sleep
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time
How can a sleep medicine doctor help me when I have insomnia?
Your sleep medicine doctor offers several treatment options to help you get relief from insomnia including medication therapy, lifestyle and behavioral modifications, and relaxation techniques.
Want to Know More?
To find out more about insomnia and insomnia treatment, call Dr. Jeremy McConnell at Florida Sleep Specialists. You can reach him in the Bradenton, FL, office by calling (941) 792-8383, or in Sarasota, FL, by calling (941) 827-0701, so call today.