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Insomnia

What You Need to Know About Insomnia

  • Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, affecting one-third of the US population.
  • It can be classified as acute, chronic, onset, maintenance, behavioral, or paradoxical, each with unique challenges and treatments.
  • Causes of insomnia include psychological factors like stress and anxiety, physical conditions such as chronic pain, lifestyle choices, and certain medications.
  • Insomnia has significant impacts on physical health, increasing the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Mental health is deeply affected by insomnia, with a strong link to depression and anxiety, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-I) is an effective treatment.
  • Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene, are crucial in managing insomnia.
  • Pharmacological treatments are available, but should be considered after non-pharmacological interventions.
  • CBT-I is a first-line treatment for insomnia, involving cognitive and behavioral techniques to address underlying causes.
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The Editorial Team at Sleep Care Pro is dedicated to educating the world on the importance of great sleep by providing expert analysis on Sleep Science, Hygiene and Health.

Reviewed by

Andrew McDowell, PA-C

Andrew McDowell, MMS, PA-C, is an experienced clinician with over 10 years of practice in emergency medicine…

About Insomnia

Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder affecting approximately one-third of the US population, presents a significant health challenge. This condition is characterized by persistent difficulties in either falling or staying asleep, profoundly impacting both physical and mental well-being. Insomnia manifests in various forms, including acute, chronic, onset, maintenance, behavioral, or paradoxical types, each demanding a tailored approach for effective management. The underlying causes of insomnia are multifaceted, encompassing psychological factors such as stress and anxiety, physical conditions like chronic pain, lifestyle choices, and the influence of certain medications. The repercussions of this sleep disorder extend beyond nightly discomfort, escalating the risk of serious health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The mental health implications of insomnia are particularly striking, with a strong correlation noted between sleep disturbances and mental disorders like depression and anxiety. In addressing this complex condition, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has emerged as a first-line treatment, focusing on cognitive and behavioral techniques to tackle the root causes of sleeplessness. CBT-I aims to reframe negative thoughts and behaviors related to sleep, equipping individuals with strategies to improve their sleep patterns. Alongside CBT-I, lifestyle adjustments play a critical role in managing insomnia. These include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and adhering to good sleep hygiene practices. While pharmacological treatments exist, they are typically recommended only after exploring non-pharmacological interventions, ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to overcoming insomnia.

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Author

  • Andrew McDowell

    Andrew McDowell, MMS, PA-C, is an experienced clinician with over 10 years of practice in emergency medicine and critical care. He has a specialized interest in sleep medicine and shares his research and knowledge on Sleep Care Pro. As a shift worker, Andrew understands the daily challenge of getting restful sleep. As a husband and a father, he understands how life can get in the way of developing good sleep hygiene. And as a practicing PA, he recognizes the important role that sleep plays in our healthspan. Primary care providers have little time to educate their patients on good sleep practices and are instead incentivized to prescribe sedating medications to patients. Andrew believes this is the wrong approach, and he founded Sleep Care Pro to help people engage sleep in a holistic manner. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates and is Board Certified by the NCCPA. He is a veteran of the United States Army and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is an advocate for the unique healthcare needs of veterans, and he believes high quality sleep is a cornerstone of good mental health.

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