One of the most common New Year’s resolutions: This year, I am going to get more sleep. Insomnia, a prevalent yet often-misunderstood condition, affects millions of people worldwide. If you or someone you love struggles with sleep, this article is for you.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep. The consequences of insomnia extend beyond mere fatigue; it can lead to a myriad of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
When we don’t get enough quality sleep, our minds and bodies struggle to function properly. Here are some of the significant impacts of insomnia:
- Cognitive Impairment: Lack of sleep affects our ability to think clearly, make decisions, and concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and increased mistakes.
- Emotional Instability: Insomnia can heighten feelings of irritability and anxiety, making it difficult to handle everyday stressors.
- Physical Health Risks: Chronic insomnia is linked to a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, weight gain, and obesity.
- Decreased Immune Function: Sleep is crucial for a robust immune system. Insomnia can weaken your body’s defenses, making you more susceptible to illness.
Do You Have Insomnia?
To help you assess your sleep health, take this quick quiz. Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions:
- Do you have difficulty falling asleep at night?
- Do you wake up frequently during the night?
- Do you wake up too early and can’t go back to sleep?
- Do you feel tired or fatigued during the day?
Scoring:
- If you answered “yes” to 2 or more questions, you may be experiencing insomnia.
Breaking the Insomnia Cycle
If you’re struggling with insomnia, you may be surprised to learn that the best professional to help treat your symptoms is actually a psychologist. While we often associate therapy with mental health challenges, research has repeatedly shown that the most effective and longest-lasting treatment for insomnia is a brief therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This evidence-based approach outperforms over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as popular sleep apps. Unlike medications, which can lead to unwanted side effects like dizziness, daytime drowsiness, and dependency, CBT-I gets to the root of the problem by helping individuals change their sleep habits and approach to sleep. Studies prove that CBT-I significantly improves sleep quality and duration in just 6 weeks, making it the superior choice for lasting change.
At Upward Behavioral Health, we specialize in the treatment of insomnia and have witnessed firsthand how effective treatment can transform lives, often within just six weeks of starting CBT-I. Our dedicated team is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their nights and improve their overall quality of life.
Schedule a free consultation call with Upward today at www.upwardbehavioralhealth.com or (205) 983-4063.