How Insomnia Affects Your Overall Health

If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping, you know the feeling of longing for a restful night. That feeling increases tenfold for those who suffer from the sleep disorder insomnia.  But do you know how this disorder affects the rest of your life, including your health?

At Carolina Wellness Psychiatry in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, our skilled team is ready to help you fight your insomnia and start getting the rest you've been craving. Our skilled doctors provide specialized treatment to get you on the path to finally sleeping again.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a disorder that affects your sleep. It can make it hard for you to fall asleep, or you may have trouble staying asleep. It can make for very long, restless nights that make you yearn just to be able to nod off.

Insomnia is not usually a primary condition, meaning you most likely have another, underlying problem causing the disorder. Some of the causes for insomnia include:

Insomnia can also be caused by your daily lifestyle habits, such as caffeine consumption and drinking alcohol. Many of these factors together create the perfect storm that leads to night after night of little to no sleep.

How insomnia can affect your health

Although insomnia is primarily a sleep disorder, it can have negative effects on just about every aspect of your overall well-being. This usually stems from the lack of sleep your body experiences, as we all need about 7-8 hours of sleep per night. 

Insomnia and lack of sleep can greatly increase your chances of suffering from certain medical conditions, such as:

It can also increase your risk of developing diabetes, along with a weakened immune system. 

The lack of sleep associated with this disorder doesn't just affect your physical health. Insomnia can wreak havoc on your mental well-being too. It can manifest in different ways, including:

When your mind is stressed, it does a number on the rest of your body too. Insomnia can affect other aspects of your life, including:

Finding a way to get this condition under control is the only way for you to get on the road to a well rested, healthier you.

Fighting insomnia

You might be wondering if you'll ever get your insomnia under control. The truth is, there are a lot of lifestyle changes you can make, along with other treatments that can help you get the sleep you've been dreaming of. 

Once our doctors have determined that you’re suffering from insomnia, the first course of action is to figure out what underlying problem may be causing it. Getting that condition under control may be all you need to kick the insomnia for good. 

Our doctors may also recommend some lifestyle modifications for you to help make the most of your sleep. These may include things such as:

Our doctors may also recommend sleep medications along with cognitive behavioral therapy to help you deal with issues related to insomnia, and create a more relaxed state of mind for a more restful slumber.

When you're yearning for just one good night's sleep, you know it's time to see a doctor. Call our office today at 919-446-3232, or request an appointment using our online booking tool.

You Might Also Enjoy...

The Link Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Insomnia

Restless legs syndrome is an uncomfortable feeling in your legs that often makes it hard to relax or sleep and may cause insomnia. Read on to discover how restless legs syndrome leads to insomnia and how you can finally get some rest.

I Drink Alcohol Every Day: Do I Have an Addiction?

Social drinking isn't usually an issue, but when you rely on alcohol daily, you may suffer from an addiction. Keep reading to discover the other signs and symptoms of an alcohol use problem, and how you can get help.

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Medication Management

Psychiatric medications have various benefits, including decreased anxiety and a better mood. When on these medications, management is crucial to your continued success. Read on to learn why medication management is essential for your well-being.

Talking to Your Adolescent About Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety don’t only affect adults — there’s a staggering number of teens who also have these conditions. But talking to your teen can be difficult. Keep reading to learn how to effectively talk to your teen about these disorders.

The Link Between Your Diet and Your Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. On the same note, your diet affects your brain just as much as it affects your body. Keep reading to learn how the way you eat could be negatively affecting your mood.