Insomnia

Being unable to sleep is frustrating and exhausting, making you ill if it carries on for very long. If you often experience insomnia, talk to Grace Muthami, PMHNP-BC, of Brightmind Wellness, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Grace has considerable experience helping patients overcome insomnia and get the refreshing sleep they need. To benefit from expert insomnia treatment from anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Brightmind Wellness to arrange a telehealth consultation. You can also request an appointment online today.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep. Short-term insomnia that lasts a day or two isn’t uncommon and is often due to nervous tension or acute health problems. If you have chronic insomnia, you struggle to get to sleep and/or wake frequently three days a week or more over at least three months.

The amount of sleep each person needs to feel well-rested and refreshed varies, but it’s usually between seven and nine hours. Sleep must also be high quality, where you spend enough time in the various stages of sleep. Insufficient and/or poor quality sleep affects your physical and mental well-being.

Why would I get insomnia?

Insomnia can develop for numerous reasons, including:

• Chronic stress
• Poor sleeping habits
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Medication side effects
• Chronic pain
• Acid reflux
• Thyroid disease
• Conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
• Sleep apnea (where you stop breathing when asleep)
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

If insomnia persists and affects your ability to function during the day, you should seek help from Brightmind Wellness.

Grace asks you about your problems with sleep. She also needs to know about your lifestyle, potential causes of insomnia that might apply to you, and your medical history (including any medications you take).

How is insomnia treated?

Insomnia treatment varies according to the cause. For example, if you have sleep apnea, you might need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

Medication might be vital if your insomnia is due to an underlying health problem like thyroid disease, depression, or anxiety. Sleeping pills can be helpful in the short term if you have severe insomnia, but they don’t offer a long-term solution.

Grace specializes in treating patients with mental health disorders and related causes of insomnia. She helps you embrace your inner tranquility and find the serenity to conquer insomnia, restoring restful nights and revitalizing your days.

Methods Grace uses include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)

CBT-I helps you identify thoughts and behaviors affecting your ability to sleep and replace them with healthier ones.

Better sleep habits

Healthier sleep habits can often be vital in overcoming insomnia. Changes you might benefit from include increased physical activity during the day, avoiding caffeine (especially before bed), and not using electronic devices for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.

If insomnia disrupts your life and affects your health, call Brightmind Wellness or book a telehealth appointment online today.