Advanced Neurology, Personalized Care

INSOMNIA

Insomnia Diagnosis & Treatment at Mir Neurology

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep. This can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Whether it's due to stress, anxiety, medical conditions, or environmental factors, insomnia can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.

At Mir Neurology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating insomnia with a focus on providing you with the tools and support needed to improve your sleep quality and restore your energy levels.

Symptoms of Insomnia

People with insomnia may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Difficulty Falling Asleep

Taking longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, despite feeling tired.

2. Waking Up During the Night

Frequently waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to fall back asleep.

3. Waking Up Too Early

Waking up earlier than desired and being unable to fall back asleep.

4. Daytime Fatigue

Feeling tired, sluggish, or lacking energy during the day due to insufficient sleep.

5. Difficulty Concentrating or Irritability

Problems with focus, memory, and mood changes, such as irritability, due to poor-quality sleep.

6. Sleep Disturbances

Restlessness or discomfort while trying to sleep, often accompanied by racing thoughts or anxiety.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it's important to seek help from a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, both temporary and chronic. Some of the common causes include:

1. Stress and Anxiety

Worries about work, relationships, health, or other life events can interfere with your ability to relax and fall asleep.

2. Depression

Depression often leads to disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia, due to changes in mood and hormone levels.

3. Medical Conditions

Health issues like chronic pain, asthma, arthritis, acid reflux, or neurological disorders can contribute to sleep disturbances.

4. Medications

Certain medications, such as stimulants, antidepressants, or corticosteroids, may interfere with sleep as a side effect.

5. Poor Sleep Habits

Inconsistent sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and using electronic devices before bed can all disrupt the natural sleep cycle.

6. Environmental Factors

Noisy, bright, or uncomfortable sleeping environments can make it difficult to get restful sleep.

7. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can affect sleep patterns.

8. Age

As people age, sleep patterns may change, and insomnia can become more common due to physical or psychological changes.

Diagnosis of Insomnia

At Mir Neurology, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing insomnia. Our specialists will review your medical history, lifestyle, and sleep patterns in order to identify any underlying causes and tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs.

1. Sleep History & Evaluation

Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your sleep habits, lifestyle, and any factors that might be contributing to your insomnia. Keeping a sleep diary can be helpful for tracking patterns.

2. Physical Exam

A physical exam may be conducted to check for underlying medical conditions that could be causing your insomnia, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

3. Sleep Studies (Polysomnography)

In some cases, a sleep study may be recommended to monitor your sleep patterns overnight. This test can help rule out other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

4. Psychological Evaluation

If stress, anxiety, or depression is suspected as a contributing factor, a psychological evaluation may be conducted to assess your mental health.

5. Actigraphy

Actigraphy is a device worn on your wrist to track your sleep patterns and movement during sleep, providing additional information to guide diagnosis.

Treatment for Insomnia

Treatment for insomnia depends on the underlying cause of the disorder and may include a combination of lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, medications, and other interventions.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I is considered the gold standard for treating chronic insomnia. This form of therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to sleep problems. It focuses on improving sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and establishing a consistent sleep schedule.

2. Sleep Hygiene Education

Learning and practicing good sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and minimizing distractions such as caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before bed.

3. Medications

Short-term use of sleep aids such as benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics can be prescribed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
For individuals with insomnia related to anxiety or depression, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may also be used to improve sleep quality.
Melatonin supplements may be helpful for resetting the body’s internal clock in cases of insomnia related to circadian rhythm disruption.

4. Relaxation Techniques

Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or guided meditation can help reduce the mental and physical tension that may be contributing to your sleep problems.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, but it should be avoided close to bedtime.
Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening, can help promote better sleep.
Creating a comfortable sleep environment (e.g., keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet) can make it easier to fall asleep.

6. Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions

If your insomnia is linked to a medical condition, such as chronic pain, asthma, or depression, managing the underlying condition is essential for improving sleep.

Living with Insomnia

Insomnia is a treatable condition, and with the right approach, you can regain control over your sleep and improve your overall quality of life. At Mir Neurology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to help you overcome insomnia and achieve better, more restful sleep.

Get Expert Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, early diagnosis is key to effective management. Consult with our neurology specialists for personalized assessment and care plans.

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Our Locations

Main Office - Cumberland, United States

Our main office is located in Cumberland, United States. Our doctors have office hours at additional locations in the Hagerstown area to better serve our patients.