Occasional sleeplessness is normal, however, if you are suffering from frequent episodes of difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, you could have insomnia, a condition that can be treated by your sleep specialist. The sleep doctors at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC Dr. Richard Bogan, and Dr. Laura Herpel, provide a wide range of sleep medicine services, including the treatment of insomnia.
What You Need to Know about Insomnia
So, what is insomnia? According to the National Sleep Foundation, there are two types of insomnia:
Acute insomnia is typically a temporary condition that will go away on its own. Acute insomnia is often caused by a stressful event or period in your life.
Chronic insomnia, typically lasting at least 3 months. When you have chronic insomnia, you have difficulty sleeping at least 3 nights each week. Chronic insomnia is often caused by stress at work or home, changes in your environment, some medications, or a medical condition.
For chronic insomnia, you should visit your sleep specialist. Untreated insomnia can affect your mind and your body, causing:
- Extreme fatigue during the day
- Problems with concentration and focus
- Mood swings and behavioral changes
- Poor performance at work or school
- Issues with driving or operating machinery
Your sleep specialist may recommend a sleep study to identify if a sleep disorder is causing your insomnia. For chronic insomnia, your sleep specialist may recommend:
- Relaxation techniques
- Behavioral therapy
- Sleep medications
There are a few lifestyle modifications you can try to help you get to sleep. Remember to:
- Stay active and exercise regularly
- Avoid taking naps during the day
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
- Limit the amount of caffeine in your diet
- Avoid eating meals right before bed
- Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time
Want to Know More?
To learn more about insomnia and insomnia treatment, call the sleep doctors Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC. You can reach them in the office by calling (803) 251-3093, so call today.