Suffering from insomnia? Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants of Columbia, SC are dedicated to helping you get quality sleep.

The Many Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition that is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping restfully. Everyone goes through nights where they have trouble sleeping or getting enough sleep, but when it’s a chronic issue, it can have a severe impact on your health and quality of life. Below, Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants of Columbia, SC explain the various causes of insomnia and how it can be treated or managed.

Mental Health Issues

Anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and other mental health issues can all lead to sleep difficulties. Sadly, sleep difficulties can worsen mental health disorder symptoms. The diagnosis and treatment of any mental health issues can help with the subsequent sleep difficulties.

Stress

Ongoing stress, such as arguments, financial struggles, and previous traumatic events can leave you lying awake for hours, unable to clear your mind and relax. Trauma can also keep you in a state of hypervigilance, causing you to wake up at the slightest noise.

Physical Health Issues

Your physical health has a direct impact on your sleep. Likewise, your sleep can have a direct impact on your health. Issues like chronic pain, digestive issues, sleep apnea, and asthma can all cause you to wake up several times throughout the night. Typically, this means you never achieve restorative sleep.

Your Environment and Lifestyle

Noisy neighbors, bright outdoor lights, extreme temperatures, and even the mattress you sleep on can interfere with your sleep. Drinking caffeine too close to bedtime, scrolling through social media, and other habits can interfere with your melatonin levels and stimulate your nervous system, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Tips for Managing Insomnia

The following tips prove beneficial for most people.

  • Seek treatment for any medical or mental health conditions.
  • Journal before bed to clear your mind.
  • Meditate, do yoga, or take a warm bath before bed to relax your body and mind.
  • Choose a supportive and comfortable mattress and pillow.
  • Turn on a fan or other type of background noise if you live in a noisy neighborhood.
  • Avoid caffeine and screen time for several hours before bed.
  • Use blackout curtains to block streetlights.
  • Visit a sleep specialist to help diagnose sleep difficulties and get personalized help and recommendations.

Don’t let insomnia steal another night’s sleep. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants(opens in a new tab) in Columbia, SC by calling (803) 251-3093 today.