Insomnia Specialist

What is insomnia?

While everyone experiences an occasional bout of acute insomnia because of stress, chronic insomnia occurs when you have disrupted sleep at least three nights a week. You may have trouble falling asleep, frequently wake throughout the night, or wake up much earlier than necessary.

It’s essential to get treatment for insomnia as a lack of sleep causes more problems than simply day time fatigue and irritability. Insomnia is associated with a wide range of health problems, including:

• Chronic pain
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Depression and anxiety

Insomnia can also affect your ability to pay attention and increase your risk of accidents.

What causes insomnia?

A wide range of variables contributes to insomnia. In addition to stress and mental health conditions, you may have insomnia related to medication, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or thyroid problems.

Your lifestyle can also contribute to insomnia. For example, if you eat too late at night or use caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol, your sleep may be disrupted. Similarly, if you frequently travel for your job or work swing shifts, you can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and struggle to sleep through the night.

Additionally, your chances of developing insomnia increase as you age or if you have any change in your activity levels or overall health.

When should I talk to a doctor about insomnia?

You should make an appointment to talk to Dr. Quintanar at Pristine Naturopathic Medicine if you suffer from insomnia regularly or if your ability to function during the day is affected by your lack of sleep. Sleep is critical to your body’s ability to function. Many of the restorative and regenerative processes that help your body to heal occur while you rest.

How is insomnia treated?

Dr. Quintanar provides a comprehensive consultation to identify the cause of your insomnia before creating a customized treatment plan to improve your sleep. For example, if you suffer from stress, she assesses your adrenal function and offers therapies to regulate your cortisol levels. She may also prescribe herbal mixes, tinctures, or melatonin supplements to help you fall asleep and rest throughout the night.

If you’re concerned about insomnia, call Pristine Naturopathic Medicine or schedule a consultation online today.