Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Advanced Treatment for Insomnia in the Sacramento Region

Insomnia is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to fall or stay asleep or to wake up too early. While it is common for most people to occasionally experience acute insomnia — lasting only a short time — other people suffer from chronic insomnia, which is frequent and persistent. Acute insomnia does not usually have lasting effects, but chronic insomnia can negatively affect your work, mood, concentration, and general quality of life.

If you are dealing with the effects of insomnia in the Sacramento region, the experienced sleep specialists at Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California can effectively diagnose and treat your sleep disorder through clinical expertise and the latest digital technologies. Find a Doctor at one of our two accredited sleep centers today.

Insomnia Causes

Stress or life events are usually the reason behind acute insomnia. Causes can include:

• Death of a loved one
• Loss of employment or stress at work
• Jet lag
• An anticipated event, such as a test at school or interview at work
• Hormones, particularly in women
• Some medications

Chronic insomnia is sleep problems at least three nights a week for three months or longer.

Causes of chronic insomnia include:

• Family history of sleep problems
• Bad sleep hygiene, such as eating close to the time you typically sleep
• Worry about difficulty sleeping
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Chronic pain
• Shift work
• Sleep apnea
• Other health conditions, such as anxiety, allergies, restless legs syndrome, or Alzheimer’s disease

Insomnia Symptoms

People with insomnia can often diagnose themselves based on the signs and symptoms of the condition.

In addition to having a hard time falling and staying asleep, people also may experience:

• Non-restorative sleep, which is not feeling rested after you wake from sleep
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Problems with mental functioning

To receive the right diagnosis of your symptoms, speak with a neurologist at Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California.

Insomnia Treatment & Prevention at Dignity Health

Many factors affect a person’s ability to sleep, and everyone is different. There may not be a quick fix, but our professionals offer trusted treatment and prevention options for insomnia.

While acute insomnia is temporary and usually goes away on its own, chronic insomnia may require medication, non-drug treatment, or a combination of both. Non-medicinal options include behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies coach you on good sleep hygiene and how to stop worrying about sleep problems. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or progressive muscle relaxation, may help you fall asleep or go back to sleep if you wake up in the night.

You can prevent insomnia by maintaining good sleep hygiene:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Don’t watch television or surfing the web in bed.
• Avoid naps.
• Develop a consistent bedtime routine.
• Hold off on caffeine and alcohol.
• Complete fitness workouts at least two hours before bedtime.