Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is the inability to get a good night’s sleep. This may be due to problems falling asleep or staying asleep. In any case, a lack of adequate sleep can have widespread consequences in your life and affect how you feel during the day. 

While insomnia is a sleep disorder, it can also be a symptom of another health issue. During your virtual consultation with Dr. Baxley, she works closely with you to identify contributing factors that might play a role in your insomnia. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options available that may help you fall or stay asleep when you go to bed at night. If you’re having persistent sleep troubles, there’s no better time to reach out to Access Now Primary Care.

What causes insomnia?

Your insomnia might develop on its own, or there might be several factors affecting your sleeping abilities. Depending on its underlying cause, insomnia might be a short- or long-term condition. 

Your risk for insomnia generally increases as you get older, but symptoms can affect you at any age. Some of the most common causes and risk factors for insomnia are:

• Your genetics
• Your napping habits
• Screen time (especially before bed)
• Caffeine or substance use
• Daily stress
• An uncomfortable or noisy sleeping environment
• Mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression)
• Other sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea)
• Chronic pain disorders
• Certain medications

Usually, insomnia comes from a combination of factors. Depending on your overall health, Dr. Baxley helps develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your quality of sleep.

How is insomnia treated?

Some insomnia treatments are tailored around medical care. For example, adjusting a medication that keeps you awake may help you fall asleep without taking other measures. However, in many cases, the solution isn’t so apparent. 

Dr. Baxley may encourage you to improve your sleep hygiene and work with you to establish a consistent sleeping schedule. You might need to address noise sources, reduce your caffeine consumption, and only use your bed for sleeping at night (rather than using your phone or watching television). 

Other insomnia treatments may include referrals to specialists, like psychiatrists or therapists, for psychotherapy. Dr. Baxley can coordinate your care with local specialists to ensure you receive both the medical and mental health care you need. 

If you’re struggling with insomnia, call Access Now Primary Care to schedule a telehealth appointment or book online today.