Insomnia

When difficulty sleeping stops being an occasional problem and turns into your new normal, chances are you have chronic insomnia. When you can’t get the sleep you need, it’s time to turn to Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois. They have extensive experience getting to the source of your sleep problem and providing the personalized care you need to reclaim a good night’s sleep. Call the nearest office or book online today to get help for insomnia, parasomnias, and other sleep disorders.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, makes it hard to fall asleep or sleep through the night. You may have temporary insomnia, or struggle with the condition for months. You have chronic insomnia if your difficulty sleeping lasts three months or longer.

Temporary insomnia has many possible causes, from daily stress to having caffeinated products too close to bedtime. Using your computer, watching TV, or keeping the lights on at night can also cause insomnia by disrupting your sleep-wake cycle.

Chronic insomnia is usually associated with a health condition like sleep apnea, heart failure, chronic pain, depression, or other psychiatric issues.

What symptoms accompany insomnia? 

Lack of sleep causes daytime symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Poor attention
• Memory loss
• Irritability
• No motivation

Insomnia leads to poor performance during the day and is one of the leading causes of car accidents.

What are parasomnias?

Parasomnias are sleep disorders defined by unusual behaviors while you sleep. A few examples include:

Sleep walking and talking

You walk, talk, and even have complete conversations while you’re still sleeping.

Sleep terrors (night terrors)

You experience terror, confusion, and panic and may scream, cry, or sit up, but you’re still sleeping. You also can’t wake up (so no one can calm you down) and won’t remember the event the next morning.

Confusional arousals

You seem to wake up, but you’re disoriented, confused, and unresponsive if others talk to you.

REM behavior disorder

Rapid eye movement (REM) is one of your essential sleep cycles. During REM sleep, your brain temporarily paralyzes your muscles, allowing you to dream without moving or acting out your dream activities. 

If you have REM behavior disorder, you can move your muscles, potentially leading to serious injuries either to yourself or your partner.

How are insomnia and parasomnias treated?

Before developing a treatment plan, Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. may have you complete a sleep study. 

Parasomnias require many possible treatments depending on the type you have. Your provider treats insomnia by dealing with any co-occurring health conditions and recommending lifestyle changes, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or medications.

Sleeping medications are prescribed for a short time because they cause side effects, and their effect diminishes as your body gets used to the medicine.

CBT-I helps you overcome insomnia by improving sleep hygiene (shutting down electronics and taking a calming bath) and teaching ways to relax or manage stress.

Call Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. today or use online booking to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward overcoming insomnia.