How your doctor in Columbia can help you sleep well

Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? It could be just daily stress keeping you awake, or it could be something more serious. You could have insomnia. Dr. Richard Bogan at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, can offer you insomnia treatment.

So, how do you know if you are suffering from insomnia? Two of the hallmarks of insomnia are difficulty getting to sleep and difficulty staying asleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are two types of insomnia:

Acute insomnia, usually temporary and caused by a traumatic or stressful life event; acute insomnia often goes away without professional treatment.

Chronic insomnia, typically lasting at least 3 months and characterized by difficulty sleeping at least 3 nights during the week; there are many factors that can lead to chronic insomnia including changes to your environment, work schedule, new medications, or medical issues.

Untreated, prolonged insomnia can lead to:

• Feelings of fatigue and low energy
• Having mood swings or behavioral issues
• Performance or concentration difficulties

One of the best things you can do at home is to create a comfortable, calming place for sleep. Avoid putting a television in your bedroom and avoid looking at a computer monitor or phone right before bedtime. You can also add a ritual like taking a warm bath or reading before bed, to help signal your body it’s time for sleep.

Other lifestyle modifications you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep are to:

• Keep active and exercise
• Avoid napping during the day
• Avoid nicotine and caffeine products and alcohol
• Avoid eating meals right before bed
• Schedule the same time for bed and waking up

For chronic insomnia that doesn’t respond to lifestyle modifications, professional treatment from your sleep specialist is indicated. Common treatments include relaxation techniques and behavioral therapy, sleep medications, and other treatments.

Don’t suffer from insomnia when help is just an easy phone call away. To find out more about insomnia treatment, call Dr. Bogan at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, today!