Are You an Insomniac?

Late nights can be fun if you’re socializing with friends, having a party, or just enjoying your alone time. However, if you spend your midnight hours tossing, turning, and trying to fall asleep, you might be an insomniac. This is a common problem among people of all ages, including teenagers, adults, and seniors. An estimated 10-30% of adults live with chronic insomnia, making poor sleep a public health issue.

SLENT, or South Louisiana Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastics, has locations in Mandeville, Hammond, and Slidell, Louisiana. We can help you figure out if you’re a true insomniac, or if there are other issues causing your inability to sleep well at night.

Understanding insomnia

Insomnia doesn’t always mean lying in bed and staring at the ceiling, though it often manifests this way for many people. There are two primary types of chronic insomnia: sleep-onset insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia.

Sleep-onset insomnia

This means you struggle to fall asleep. You might lie awake for hours, play on your phone, or watch television after failing to fall asleep. Sleep-onset insomnia is common among people who struggle to relax, work irregular schedules, or frequently travel.

Sleep maintenance insomnia

This means you struggle to stay asleep. This type of insomnia is more common among seniors, patients with sleep apnea, and people who consume alcohol and caffeine before bed.

Many people with chronic insomnia suffer from mixed symptoms, which means they experience both sleep-onset and sleep maintenance insomnia.

Recognizing the signs

The initial symptoms of insomnia are easy to recognize: you have trouble falling or staying asleep. However, as time goes on, insomnia and sleep deprivation can lead to serious side effects. These include:

General fatigue
Irritability
Poor concentration
Poor memory
“Brain fog”
Daytime sleepiness

These symptoms can interfere with your relationships, career, and safety. Studies indicate that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, but not nearly as discouraged. If you’re suffering from poor sleep, seek help from a sleep specialist. They can diagnose your insomnia, determine the cause, and help you improve your sleep patterns.

Receiving treatment

Your treatment might vary depending on which kind of insomnia you’re experiencing, what’s causing it, and your typical nighttime routine. Treatment plans for insomnia often include:

Better sleep hygiene (avoiding big meals, screens, alcohol, and caffeine before bed)
A longer bedtime routine, to help you wind down before sleeping
Relaxation exercises and meditation
Sleep medications (short-term only)
Treatment for underlying conditions, such as sleep apnea and movement disorders

To learn more about insomnia and improve your sleep, consult with the specialists at SLENT. You can schedule an appointment by calling the location closest to you, or visit the contact page for more information.