Tuck Insomnia Away with Therapy

Being the only one awake at night while everyone else is asleep can be very frustrating. Sleep is essential, it can be hard to show up in your daily life and meet your goals if you are constantly tired. While we all know we need sleep, it doesn’t always make it easy to get. If you are experiencing a chronic lack of sleep, you aren’t alone. Therapy can help.


The Importance of Sleep

Sleep is necessary to maintain good physical health and emotional wellbeing. One of the best ways to protect your body against the many stresses of everyday life is to get the right amount of rest. By sleeping seven to nine hours every night, you’re going to feel a whole lot better but what if you can’t?

Quality sleep night after night is like stashing money in the bank. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, causes you to sink into ‘sleep debt.’ Just as you strive for balance in an accounting balancing sheet, you also want to avoid ‘sleep debt.’ There isn’t necessarily a way to “catch up”, but beginning to sleep in a more healthy way can help you to feel better.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to poor focus, memory deficits, deteriorating health, irritability, reduced immunity, etc. Knowing the negative effects of not having enough sleep, you may begin to realize that a few sleepless nights can become insomnia.

What Defines Insomnia?

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep concern that is experienced by a significant number of adults. About 30 to 40 percent of the American population is affected by insomnia, says The National Sleep Foundation. It is commonly defined as the failure to get enough sleep, even if circumstances are favorable, causing a person to feel tired and sleepy during the day. Insomnia can affect you at any age.

Insomnia is a term applied to the condition that is characterized by lack of sleep. The condition entails several possible symptoms, such as:

  • Difficulty falling and/or going back to sleep
  • Restless or fitful sleep
  • Commonly waking up in the middle of the night
  • Awaking too early
  • Waking up feeling exhausted

The Many Faces of Insomnia

There are different types of insomnia, characterized by frequency and duration. Transient insomnia, for example, happens when a symptom occurs for three nights. It is usually triggered by a recent event. On the contrary, acute insomnia is a sleep disorder that is short-term, and often comes and goes. The indicators may appear for a number of weeks, but it typically subsides when the reason for the sleeplessness stops. Triggers can be any of the following:

  • Incidence of a serious medical condition or concern
  • Emotional and physical issues
  • Momentous events in life, such as the passing of a loved one, divorce, motherhood, etc.
  • Unfavorable or unsuitable sleep environment
  • Effects of medications
  • Substance abuse
  • Hormonal imbalance (pregnancy, menstruation, menopause)
  • Disturbance in circadian rhythm (job shift, jetlag)

Chronic insomnia is more severe, persisting for months and in some cases, even years. Insomnia can be related to other conditions such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, GERD, stroke, sleep apnea etc. Distress, overwhelm and pain can also contribute to insomnia.

Insomnia may either be primary or secondary. It is known as primary insomnia when it occurs without the presence of other health conditions. If it does or it is a symptom of another condition, it is referred to as secondary insomnia.

Start Getting the Sleep You Need

Insomnia isn’t uncommon, but it is treatable. Do something about it before it affects your energy, mood and overall health. Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC contracts with licensed therapists who know how to treat insomnia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention to help you start getting the sleep you need.

For some, therapy alone may not be enough. CCS also contracts with licensed psychiatric professionals that can explore medication management options with you. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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