Insomnia – Westfield, NJ
Relief from Sleepless Nights
Everyone suffers from occasional bouts of sleeplessness. Issues like physical discomfort and stressful life circumstances can rob you of precious rest! However, the problem is much worse when it is persistent. If you have been struggling to fall asleep and/or stay asleep, you may need professional treatment to find relief from sleepless nights. This page explains how our Westfield, NJ, team may be able to help with insomnia.
What Is Insomnia & What Causes It?
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is characterized by an inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. Acute insomnia may last for just a few days, whereas chronic insomnia can stretch on indefinitely.
There are two broad categorizations of insomnia:
- Primary insomnia is not connected to any known medical condition or problem. It may be related to your genes, major changes in your schedule, temporary stressors, or environmental conditions.
- Secondary insomnia is directly related to a health issue or problem. For example, you might not be able to sleep due to pain, depression, anxiety, or the overuse of certain substances, such as caffeine or other stimulants.
Dangers of Insomnia
Insomnia and sleep deprivation might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can lead to serious consequences if they go on for prolonged periods of time. You might experience:
- Reduced performance at work or school.
- Increased mood swings and irritability.
- Slowed reaction times, which can make it dangerous for you to drive.
- A heightened risk of severe health complications, such as heart attacks, diabetes, and unwanted weight gain.
- Difficulty engaging in meaningful interactions with your family and friends.
Lack of high-quality sleep can also make it extremely challenging to manage mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. And because anxiety and depression can cause sleep problems, they can create a vicious cycle with insomnia that is difficult to break out of.
How We Help Treat Insomnia
If your insomnia is related to a mental health condition, our team may be able to help you start getting the rest you need! We may suggest that you could benefit from:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a form of talk therapy that involves consciously modifying your thought processes and adopting healthy behaviors.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This therapy uses a magnetic field to stimulate the prefrontal cortex of your brain. It is an effective, nonpharmaceutical depression treatment that may contribute to higher-quality sleep.
- Medication management. If you are taking several medications, they may be affecting you in unexpected ways. Our team will learn which medications you are using and make adjustments with the goal of optimizing their benefits and minimizing unwanted side effects. This process can take a bit of time, but it often contributes to better sleep.
