What Is Insomnia?

Most people have experienced a sleepless night at some point in their lives. But for some, insomnia is a chronic problem that can have a profound effect on their quality of life.

Insomnia is defined as a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

Acute insomnia lasts for less than a month and is often caused by stress or life events such as bereavement, illness, or job loss.

Chronic insomnia lasts for more than a month and can be caused by underlying medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle choices.

Symptoms of insomnia include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Waking up early in the morning
• Feeling unrefreshed after a night’s sleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability

If you have chronic insomnia, you may also experience depression, anxiety, and low mood.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia is a disorder that can be caused by a variety of factors. One common cause is stress. When we are worried about upcoming events or struggling to cope with everyday demands, it can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Other causes of insomnia include changes in sleep schedule, such as jet lag or working night shifts; side effects from medications; and underlying medical conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and pain.

In some cases, the exact cause of insomnia may remain unknown. 

How can insomnia affect you?

If you’re not getting enough sleep, it can take a toll on your health. Insomnia can cause:

• Daytime fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Moodiness
• Irritability
• Poor decision making
• Increased risk of accidents
• Weakened immune system
• Weight gain or weight loss
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke

Untreated, insomnia can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can affect your ability to work and study, and make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. Insomnia can also lead to depression and anxiety.

If you’re struggling to cope with insomnia, there are treatments that can help.

Insomnia treatment

There are a variety of treatment options available for insomnia, depending on the underlying cause. For example, if insomnia is caused by another condition, such as anxiety or depression, treating the underlying condition can often help to resolve insomnia.

In other cases, making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and cutting back on alcohol, can be effective. Some people find that relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, help to reduce stress and promote better sleep.

Others may need to take medication to help them sleep, either on a short-term basis or long-term. In some cases, a combination of different treatment methods is necessary to achieve the best results.

If you are struggling with insomnia, it is important to speak to a doctor to find the best treatment approach for you.

Common prescription sleep medications

There are a number of prescription sleep medications that can be effective in treating insomnia. The most commonly prescribed sleep medications are:

• Trazodone (desyrel) –  Although it is most commonly used as an antidepressant, trazodone (desyrel) is also effective in treating insomnia. The drug works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which helps to promote feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Trazodone is typically taken orally, either in pill form or as a syrup.
• Remeron (mirtazapine) –  Remeron (mirtazapine) is a medication that is commonly used to treat insomnia. It is a type of antidepressant that works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps to regulate sleep. Remeron is typically taken at bedtime and can cause drowsiness.
• Seroquel (quetiapine) – Seroquel is a medication that is typically used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, it can also be effective in treating insomnia. Seroquel works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help to improve sleep quality.
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) – Hydroxyzine is a medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety and itching. It is also prescribed for insomnia treatment. Hydroxyzine works by reducing nerve activity, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
• Gabapentin – Gabapentin is a medication that is typically used to treat seizures. However, it can also be effective in treating insomnia. Gabapentin works by reducing the number of nerve signals that are sent from the brain. This can help to reduce anxiety and ease the transition to sleep. In addition, gabapentin can help to improve sleep quality by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the total length of time spent sleeping.

How can DrHouse help you treat your insomnia?

With DrHouse, you can make a virtual on-demand visit with an online clinician who can help to assess your sleep patterns and recommend treatment options.

For some people, medication may be necessary to help them sleep. We can prescribe a variety of different medications for insomnia, depending on your individual needs. In some cases, a combination of different treatment methods is necessary to achieve the best results.

The service is convenient and confidential, and you can access it from the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is to download our app, set up your account, and start an on-demand visit, and you will see a licensed clinician within minutes.

So if you’re struggling with insomnia, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. DrHouse can provide you with the treatment and support you need to get your life back on track.