Insomnia can quickly become a devastating condition that affects everything from your mood and health to your job and relationships. However, it’s also one of the most common sleep disorders, with almost half of adults reporting at least occasional symptoms.
While it is more likely to affect women than men and is most common in teenagers and the elderly, anyone can have insomnia. However, an effective insomnia counseling program in Los Angeles, CA, can help.
If you or someone you know might benefit from an insomnia therapy program, reach out to the professionals at Illumination Mental Health at 747.285.7504.
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which people have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep despite efforts to do so. The condition can last less than a week, or it could last for months. In some cases, it can even last for years.
Not every person recognizes they have insomnia. Some may become accustomed to the disorder without realizing just how much trouble with sleep they are really having. This is why it’s imperative that those who have symptoms seek help from an insomnia therapy program.
Types of Insomnia
There are three types of insomnia that a person can suffer from:
- Transient insomnia
- Acute insomnia
- Chronic insomnia
The type of insomnia a person has can change with time, and different characteristics classify each type. Illumination’s insomnia therapy program in Los Angeles, CA can help with all types of insomnia.
Transient Insomnia
Transient insomnia is temporary, usually lasting for no longer than one week. The most common cause of transient insomnia is overwhelming recent stress.
Acute Insomnia
Also known as short-term insomnia, this condition lasts for less than three months. It’s usually caused by a traumatic life event such as relationship problems, the death of a loved one, or a serious medical diagnosis. Certain medications may also cause acute insomnia if not properly treated with an insomnia counseling program in Los Angeles, CA.
Chronic Insomnia
Chronic (long-term) insomnia lasts for three months or longer. It can be caused by stress, irregular sleep schedules, a disruptive sleeping environment, persistent nightmares, underlying neurological problems, medications, unhealthy lifestyle habits, mental health disorders, and other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Insomnia
Some of the most common symptoms of insomnia include:
- Anxiety or depression
- Daytime fatigue
- Waking up too early
- Variable or disturbed sleep
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Increased accidents or errors
- Persistent worry about sleep
- Diminished performance at school or work
- Decreased energy or motivation
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Forgetfulness
If a person has other sleep disorders, including restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking, or sleep paralysis, they are at an increased risk of developing insomnia.
Other Causes of Insomnia
There are dozens of potential causes of insomnia. Those causes must be discovered, diagnosed, and treated to successfully resolve the condition.
- Some specific causes of insomnia include:
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Pain
- Alcohol and stimulants like caffeine
- Excessive screen time with electronics
- Illnesses, especially those that cause breathing problems
- Napping late in the afternoon
- Using the bed for activities other than sleep
- Working late
Sometimes, no cause can be found for a person’s insomnia.
Insomnia Therapy Program in Los Angeles, CA at Illumination Mental Health
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a powerful treatment method for insomnia with a history of producing excellent results. When other methods of insomnia alleviation haven’t worked, CBT can help a person control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep them awake.
If you’re ready to regain control of your life, your health, and your sleep with an insomnia therapy program in Los Angeles, CA, contact the friendly team at Illumination Mental Health at 747.285.7504.
