Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Treatment in Cumberland & Hagerstown, MD
Poor sleep affects everything β your energy, mood, memory, and health. When sleep problems are persistent, there's often a treatable cause behind them.
There is usually a reason β and a treatment plan that can help you rest again.
At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists evaluate and treat insomnia and sleep disorders, including the neurological conditions that disrupt sleep, for patients across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania.
Request an Appointment or call (301) 797-7600.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep β even when you have the opportunity to sleep. It leaves you tired during the day and can affect concentration, mood, and overall health.
Insomnia can be:
- Short-term acute insomnia β lasting days or weeks, often triggered by stress, illness, or a change in routine
- Chronic insomnia β occurring at least three nights a week for three months or longer
Insomnia is sometimes a problem on its own, and sometimes a symptom of another condition β including neurological and other sleep disorders. Identifying which is the case is the key to lasting relief.
Insomnia Symptoms
Common signs of insomnia include:
- Trouble falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night or too early and not being able to fall back asleep
- Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
- Daytime tiredness, low energy, or sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or focusing
- Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
- Worrying about sleep
What Causes Insomnia?
Insomnia has many possible causes, and often more than one is involved:
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Poor sleep habits and irregular schedules
- Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
- Certain medications
- Chronic pain or other medical conditions
- Neurological and sleep disorders β such as restless leg syndrome or REM sleep behavior disorder
- Hormonal changes β including pregnancy and perimenopause
Because the causes vary so widely, an evaluation focuses on finding why you're not sleeping β not just treating the symptom.
Is Insomnia Genetic?
Insomnia can run in families, and research suggests genetics play a role in how prone you are to sleep problems. But lifestyle, stress, health conditions, and habits also have a major influence.
A family history of insomnia is one of several factors we consider during an evaluation.
When Sleep Problems Are a Neurological Issue
Some Sleep disorder are rooted in the nervous system β and these are squarely within a neurologist's expertise. We evaluate and treat:
- REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) β acting out dreams with movements, talking, or sometimes violent behaviors during sleep. RBD is important to diagnose because it can be an early sign of certain neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease.
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS) β an irresistible urge to move the legs at night that disrupts sleep.
- Narcolepsy β excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
- Sleep paralysis β a temporary inability to move when falling asleep or waking.
- Sleep disturbances related to other neurological conditions β such as Parkinson's, dementia, and MS.
If your sleep problem involves unusual movements, behaviors, or excessive daytime sleepiness, a neurological evaluation is especially important.
How We Evaluate Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
A good sleep evaluation looks at the whole picture to find the underlying cause. It may include:
Sleep & Medical History
Your sleep patterns, habits, symptoms, and medications.
Daytime Symptom Review
Fatigue, sleepiness, mood, memory, and concentration changes.
Sleep Disorder Screening
Screening for RBD, restless legs, sleep apnea, and related conditions.
Personalized Plan
A treatment approach built around your specific cause and symptoms.
Treatment for Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
Treatment depends on the cause, and the goal is restful, sustainable sleep β not just a quick fix. Options include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) β the recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia
- Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes β consistent schedules, a better sleep environment, and limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Treating underlying conditions β such as restless leg syndrome, RBD, or pain
- Medication when appropriate β used thoughtfully and tailored to your situation
- Coordination with sleep specialists for sleep studies or conditions like sleep apnea
- Ongoing follow-up to adjust your plan and keep your sleep on track
When to See a Neurologist for Sleep Problems
Consider an evaluation if you:
- Have trouble sleeping that lasts more than a few weeks
- Act out dreams or move, talk, or thrash during sleep
- Have an irresistible urge to move your legs at night
- Experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite enough time in bed
- Have sleep problems alongside a neurological condition
At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists help identify what's behind your sleep problems and build a plan to fix it. With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, we make expert care convenient and close to home.
Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area
With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, we provide insomnia and sleep disorder care for patients across the region.
Maryland
Cumberland, Hagerstown, LaVale, Frostburg, Cresaptown, Hancock, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Boonsboro
West Virginia
Martinsburg, Keyser, Romney, Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw
Pennsylvania
Waynesboro, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Mercersburg
Cumberland office: 924 Seton Dr Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502 β MonβSat, 7:30 AM β 4:30 PM
Hagerstown office: 11110 Medical Campus Rd Unit 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742 β MonβFri, 7:30 AM β 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of doctor treats sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders can be evaluated by neurologists and sleep specialists. Neurologists are especially helpful for sleep problems rooted in the nervous system, such as REM sleep behavior disorder, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy, and for sleep disturbances tied to other neurological conditions.
What's the difference between insomnia and a sleep disorder?
Insomnia is one type of sleep disorder β difficulty falling or staying asleep. "Sleep disorders" is a broader term that also includes conditions like restless leg syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea.
Is insomnia genetic?
It can run in families, and genetics influence how prone you are to sleep problems, but lifestyle, stress, and health conditions also play a large role.
What is the best treatment for chronic insomnia?
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, often combined with addressing any underlying causes. Medications may be used in some cases.
When should I see a doctor about my sleep?
See a doctor if sleep problems last more than a few weeks, cause significant daytime tiredness, or involve unusual movements or behaviors during sleep.
Not Sleeping Well? There's Usually a Reason β and a Fix.
Mir Neurology evaluates and treats insomnia and sleep disorders in Cumberland and Hagerstown.