Insomnia

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep and have ongoing fatigue because of it, turn to Ascension Psychiatric Services in Fayetteville, Georgia. Anthony J. Hall, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, offers insomnia treatments via telemedicine to help you sleep easier and wake up feeling well-rested. Call the office to learn more, or use the online booking feature today.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder that prevents you from sleeping soundly or throughout the night without waking up. When left untreated, it can cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects due to extreme daytime fatigue. At the first sign of a sleep disorder, schedule a telemedicine visit with Ascension Psychiatric Services.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

The symptoms you may have because of insomnia include:

• Waking up too early
• Waking up during the night
• Problems falling or staying asleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Falling asleep during the day
• Not feeling well-rested
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Poor driving response
• Worrying about sleep
• Problems paying attention

Not getting recommended amounts of sleep can negatively affect your physical and mental health, increasing the risk of weight gain and certain chronic diseases.

What are the risk factors for insomnia?

The common causes and risk factors for developing insomnia include:

• Stress
• Poor sleep habits
• Changes in sleep schedule
• Eating too much before bed
• Medical conditions
• Some medications 
• Mental health
• Nicotine
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Changes in physical activity patterns
• Lack of exercise
• Working out late at night
• Hormone changes

Your risk of insomnia increases if you’re a woman or over age 60. Anxiety and other mental health challenges can also affect the quality and quantity of your sleep. 

How is insomnia diagnosed?

To find out if you have insomnia, Anthony reviews your medical history, symptoms, mood, thoughts, lifestyle, and behavior patterns. He provides genetic testing to find out which medicines, if any, are best for your unique needs. A sleep study is often beneficial.

How is insomnia treated?

To treat insomnia, Anthony develops a personalized plan. You might take medications, undergo talk therapy (psychotherapy), or make lifestyle changes. Avoid going to bed on an empty stomach or when you’re too full. Steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and screen time before bed and get regular exercise — but avoid late-night workouts.

Anthony teaches you ways to change thought and behavior patterns to reduce anxiety and depression associated with insomnia. He follows up with you over telemedicine and changes your treatment plan whenever needed to help you get a good night’s rest. 

Imagine sleeping well throughout the night. To get treated for insomnia and sleep soundly, call the Ascension Psychiatric Services office or use the online booking feature today.