If you have trouble getting or staying asleep, it could be because of insomnia, which affects 1 in 4 Americans each year. At his practice in Belmont, California, board-certified psychiatrist Michael Lara, MD, offers insomnia treatments to help you rest easier. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes getting or falling asleep difficult. It can diminish your quality of life by causing daytime fatigue and other unpleasant or severe symptoms. At the first sign of ongoing sleeping problems, see Dr. Lara for an evaluation.
Insomnia can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Insomnia can negatively affect your physical and mental health, as well as your overall quality of life. For example, you might have poor work or school performance or a slowed reaction time while driving.
You also have a higher risk of substance abuse disorder, high blood pressure, and other medical problems with insomnia.
While anyone can experience insomnia, common causes and risk factors include:
Insomnia is most common in women and adults over 60. Adopting healthy habits is the best way to reduce your chance of developing it.
Dr. Lara diagnoses insomnia after reviewing your symptoms and medical history. He asks about your lifestyle, sleeping habits, and medication regimen. You might also need a sleep study, blood tests, or other diagnostic tests that allow Dr. Lara to develop a treatment plan.
To reduce insomnia and its symptoms, Dr. Lara could recommend:
Ways to improve sleep quality include setting a regular bedtime, keeping stress levels low, and eating nutritious foods. Get regular exercise, maintain an ideal body weight, and avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, screen time, and large meals before bed. Try relaxation techniques and don’t take naps late in the day.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy with Dr. Lara teaches you ways to reduce stress, relax, improve nighttime breathing, and get a better night’s rest.
Dr. Lara might recommend taking medications or dietary supplements to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Don’t settle for poor-quality sleep associated with insomnia when help is within reach. Call Michael Lara, MD, to schedule an appointment or book one online today.