More than just tossing and turning
Tossing and turning when all you crave is a good night’s sleep is a common challenge. Difficulty falling or staying asleep is known as insomnia. This condition can last for a short time (acute insomnia) or it can continue for months (chronic insomnia). In some cases, insomnia can come and go over time, and the length of these episodes can vary.
Insomnia is more than just an annoyance — it can lead to impaired driving, make it difficult to focus on daily activities, strain relationships and weaken your immune system. MultiCare’s sleep medicine specialists will help pinpoint the cause of your insomnia and create a personalized treatment plan to restore the quality rest your body needs.
Symptoms of insomnia
Insomnia can affect anyone. However, women, shift workers and older adults are at greater risk. Common symptoms include:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Frequent night-waking and difficulty going back to sleep
- Waking up too early
- Not feeling refreshed upon waking
- Daytime fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Irritability or other mood problems
Causes of insomnia
Insomnia has many triggers, including:
- Stressful life events, such as an illness or job loss
- Environmental factors, such as too much noise or light in the bedroom
- Poor sleep hygiene — bedtime habits that do not promote sleep
- An underlying condition, such as depression or acid reflux
- Chronic pain
- Medications or supplements
- Overuse of stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine
- Pregnancy
Diagnosing and treating insomnia
If you suspect you have insomnia, you may need to undergo a sleep study in one of MultiCare’s state-of-the-art sleep centers. Our specialists will review your study results and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Treatments vary according to the cause and severity of insomnia as well as your overall health.
Common treatment options for insomnia include:
- Improving sleep hygiene. Forming habits that support sleep, such as establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and limiting evening screen time, can help reduce insomnia.
- Fixing environmental problems. Addressing issues in your sleep environment, such as a sagging mattress or a partner who snores, can alleviate symptoms of insomnia.
- Diagnosing underlying conditions. Sometimes symptoms masquerading as insomnia are due to another health problem. For example, frequent night waking can be a result of sleep apnea or depression. Identifying and properly treating these conditions can eliminate insomnia.
- Taking medications. Some over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids can be effective for tackling insomnia. Some are designed for short-term use only, while others can be taken for longer periods of time. Your sleep specialist will discuss these options with you.