WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023
Insomnia
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder affecting the ability to fall or stay asleep. People with insomnia do not receive adequate amounts of sleep, leading to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. It can be short-term, caused by stress or other factors, or a chronic condition that lasts for weeks, months, or even years.
Different types of insomnia include primary, secondary, acute, and chronic. Primary insomnia is a sleep disturbance not caused by a separate medical issue or substance use. Secondary insomnia is a sleep disturbance caused by an underlying medical condition, certain medications, or substances. Acute insomnia spans a short period, typically a month or less. Lastly, chronic insomnia is a condition that continues for longer than a month.
What causes Insomnia?
Insomnia can have various causes, including stress, anxiety, poor sleep habits, medical issues, caffeine, alcohol, medications, environmental factors, and genetics.
Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can interfere with sleep quality. Irregular sleep schedules, frequent napping, using electronic devices before resting, and other poor habits can make falling and staying asleep difficult. Certain medical conditions such as chronic pain, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea can also interrupt sleep and cause insomnia.
Consuming caffeine, alcohol, or certain medications, including antidepressants, corticosteroids, and stimulants, can affect the nervous system and disrupt sleep. Also, environmental factors, such as noise, light, and temperature, can all impact sleep quality and contribute to the disorder. Additionally, insomnia could be a genetic trait transferred hereditarily.
What are the symptoms of Insomnia?
Insomnia symptoms can vary depending on severity and type. Common symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequently waking, trouble staying asleep, waking prematurely, tiredness, fatigue, and lack of focus. Other symptoms of the condition are difficulty concentrating, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, muscle pain, tension, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.
Occasional sleep disturbances are common and typically originate from benign sources. Experiencing persistent sleep complications that interfere with and disrupt life quality may indicate a more serious disorder, such as insomnia.
How is Insomnia treated?
There are various treatment methods for insomnia, such as medications, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, sleep restriction therapy, and light therapy.
Several medications help treat insomnia, including prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids and anti-anxiety medicines. To improve sleep quality, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising regularly, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and establishing healthy sleeping habits, can be beneficial. Additionally, relaxation techniques involving meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and body to promote better sleep.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to insomnia. CBT involves setting regular sleep schedules, relaxation techniques, and sleep hygiene education. Sleep restriction therapy limits the amount of time spent in bed to the actual time spent asleep. This technique helps re-establish a more consistent sleep schedule. Light therapy involves exposure to bright light, often in the morning, to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
How does Insomnia affect brain wellness?
Chronic insomnia can disrupt normal brain functioning, resulting in various cognitive and emotional health disorders.
Insomnia disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle, leading to multiple cognitive impairments, such as concentration, memory, and decision-making difficulties. Research has also linked the disorder to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
Sleep allows the brain to repair and rejuvenate itself. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information and memories, fostering growth and learning. Chronic insomnia can disrupt these essential processes, negatively affecting brain wellness.
Additionally, insomnia can have physical effects on the brain. Studies have shown an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, with the condition.
It is essential to seek treatment if experiencing sleep difficulties to help improve sleep quality, brain function, and overall quality of life.
How can Brain Frequency™ help?
The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.
The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.
Those suffering from symptoms of insomnia can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/