If you’re having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep, you may have insomnia. Different factors, including stress, a disrupted sleep schedule, poor sleeping habits, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, contribute to this condition. Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, with insomnia being a common but often overlooked problem in family practice.
Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, but over one-third of the population gets less than that. To manage insomnia effectively, it’s important to consult healthcare professionals. Treatments vary and can include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Psychiatrists can be particularly helpful, especially if your sleep problems are linked to mental health issues. They can prescribe medications and work alongside psychologists to ensure you receive comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
The Negative Effect of Insomnia (and How to Deal with It)
The incidence of insomnia in the United States is alarming, given its detrimental effect on mental and physical health. Insomnia, despite its delicate appearance, can significantly impact a person’s everyday activities and even result in death due to accidents or a loss of judgment.
The most common treatment method is sleep-inducing medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, or a combination of the two. Positive changes in a person’s lifestyle may even alleviate some people’s symptoms. For insomnia, there’s no “best cure.” Doctors can make specific therapeutic recommendations depending on whether the patient has chronic or short-term insomnia and medical history.
However, first, you need to see a doctor or other qualified medical professional discuss your symptoms and get a diagnosis. The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep and getting up earlier than intended are all insomnia symptoms.
How Can Psychiatrists Help with Insomnia?
Different professionals can assist you in treating your insomnia like any other illness, but the severity of the ailment will define the amount of knowledge necessary. You should consult your primary care physician or family doctor for minor episodes of sleeplessness.
A psychiatrist is a medical practitioner specializing in diagnosing and treating cognitive issues stemming from mental disorders. If you are interested in exploring psychiatric medication to relieve symptoms associated with your insomnia, you may want to begin by speaking with a psychiatrist about your options.
Most often, psychiatrists will work hand-in-hand with psychologists to treat particular cases of insomnia. However, a psychiatrist can prescribe drugs, while a psychologist can’t. A psychologist or psychiatrist might offer counseling or behavioral treatment to assist in alleviating your insomnia. As such, if you’re having trouble sleeping because of a mental health issue, psychiatrists may be able to help you.
If you or a loved one is suffering from insomnia, let our professionals at Healing Psychiatry of Florida help. We have programs and treatments specifically designed to help overcome sleeping problems and their underlying psychological causes.
Anastasiya Palopoli, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, has extensive experience in nursing and psychiatric care, with degrees in Nursing from UCF and Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Cincinnati. Following a residency in General and Child Psychiatry in Florida, she specializes in treating Dementia, psychosis, depression, and anxiety through holistic approaches. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys hiking, tennis, and traveling with her family.
