The American Psychiatric Association states that among all sleep disorders, insomnia is the most common. Approximately 1/3 of adults experience symptoms of insomnia. However, up to 10% of adults experience severe symptoms that are enough to warrant a diagnosis of insomnia. Here at our clinic, Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, Dr. Richard Bogan can look at your symptoms, verify whether you have insomnia, and recommend the best treatment plan unique to your needs.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person has difficulty staying asleep or falling asleep. In general, doctors could make an insomnia diagnosis if the following criteria apply:
- Difficulty sleeping and/or remaining asleep at least three nights weekly in a span of three or more months.
- Sleeping issues that cause functional difficulties or major distress in an individual’s daily life.
What Are the Symptoms of Insomnia?
Those who suffer from insomnia typically report one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Difficulty remaining asleep
- Waking up unrefreshed
- Waking up too early
Left unaddressed, these symptoms could cause other symptoms such as irritability, mood changes, and fatigue. In most cases, people also find it very difficult to concentrate on their daily activities.
What Causes Insomnia?
Generally speaking, the cause of insomnia will vary from one person to another, but will largely depend on your specific symptoms and if you have short-term or chronic insomnia. For instance, short-term insomnia could be due to stress, changes to your normal sleeping habits, or a traumatic incident. On the other hand, chronic insomnia persists for more than three months and is typically a result of some physical and/or mental issue such as:
- Health conditions that make it difficult for a person to sleep such as back pain or arthritis
- Substance abuse
- Psychological problems including depression or anxiety
What Are the Treatment Options for Insomnia?
Here at our clinic in Columbia, SC, Dr. Richard Bogan can recommend non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical insomnia treatments. Do note though that depending on the severity of your case and your response to the treatment plan, you may have to try different treatment options before determining the most effective one for you. If you have an underlying medical or psychological condition that’s causing your insomnia, you also need to seek proper treatment for it.
In most cases, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or sleep hygiene training is recommended for treating insomnia. These help with behaviors that affect sleep and cause insomnia. Suggested modifications include not exercising, avoiding caffeinated drinks before bedtime, and reducing or eliminating time spent watching TV or using your smartphone or tablet near bedtime.
Let Your Columbia, SC, Sleep Doctor Help You
Call us now at (803) 251-3093 to schedule your consultation at Bogan Sleep Consultants, Columbia, SC. Dr. Richard Bogan will help you explore all potential causes and create a treatment plan suited to your needs.
