Insomnia

Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you wake up in the middle of the night feeling tired and unable to get back to sleep? If so, you may be experiencing insomnia. Sleeplessness can cause physical and emotional discomfort.

If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping due to stress or other reasons, talk to our providers at Faith Medical Clinic in Canyon about managing insomnia! We have helped patients with sleeplessness relieve their symptoms and regain restful sleep.

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What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a condition in which people have trouble sleeping at night or wake up too early and cannot get back to sleep. Insomnia is common in all age groups and can cause anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The National Institutes of Health reports that 50-70 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder. Approximately 30% of people say they have insomnia at least a few nights a week, yet many of them don't seek treatment.

Insomnia is a common and frustrating condition. If you have insomnia, you know how difficult it is to function normally when your body demands rest, but your mind refuses to shut down and go to sleep. Lack of sleep can also contribute to stress and mood swings.

However, there are steps you can take to ensure a good night's rest.

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Treatments for a Healthier Sleep Schedule

Although insomnia is a very common problem, there are treatments for it which are effective in helping people fall asleep easier at night.

The first step to getting a better night's rest is to find out the cause of your insomnia. Is it situational (due to significant life changes), medical (such as depression or heart problems), or due to medications you are taking? We can help you diagnose the nature of your insomnia.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven, effective treatment for patients with situational insomnia induced by life changes. CBT involves changing one's behavior through relaxation techniques and positive thinking.

Medical conditions are usually treated with conventional medicine and drug therapies such as benzodiazepines and zolpidem. However, these sedatives tend to lose their effectiveness over time. They should only be used for short periods and under a doctor's supervision.

Insomnia due to medical conditions should also not be treated by self-medicating. It is often necessary to consult a doctor. They can prescribe more appropriate medications tailored to your health problem and help you get a restful night's sleep. Call us today to discuss your insomnia and treatment options.

Medications such as trazodone and melatonin can also help promote sleep without causing you to become dependent on them. Trazodone is best for patients dealing with depression or anxiety. However, it can cause drowsiness upon waking and should be taken before bedtime.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in our body. It regulates our internal clock. Melatonin supplements allow us to fall asleep more easily but can interfere with normal melatonin production in the body.

Both trazodone and melatonin work best in combination with light therapy. Exposure to a specific wavelength of light helps regulate circadian rhythms and makes us feel sleepy at night rather than during the day.

In addition to prescription medications, some alternative remedies can also effectively treat insomnia, including yoga, aromatherapy, exercise in dim light/sunset, breathing exercises/progressive muscle relaxation/deep breathing. These treatments work best when used in conjunction with relaxation therapy and CBT - but they do not replace medical treatment. They should only be used in the short term if your insomnia is due to a medical problem such as depression, anxiety, or stress.

It's also important to know that there are many activities you should avoid before bed. Watching TV, eating late, and working on stressful projects can contribute to feeling wide awake at night.

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Help From Our Clinic

Sleep deprivation is linked to more than just an unhappy morning. It can affect your overall health, mood, and even performance at work or school. That's why the professionals at our family medical clinic are here to help!

At Faith Medical Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatment options for sleep disorders, including insomnia. Our providers will evaluate your symptoms, determine the underlying causes, and develop an individualized treatment plan that works best for you.

In addition to traditional treatments like medications and counseling sessions, we also offer alternative options such as acupuncture treatment. Many people with chronic insomnia find success when combining several approaches rather than relying on just one.

Call us today at (806) 557-4674 to schedule a consultation at our office! Or visit us online. Faith Medical Clinic is located at 1619 4th Ave, Canyon, TX 79015 and offers the best treatment for insomnia. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and we are a walk-in clinic.