Getting enough quality sleep is necessary for your well-being. Sleep affects your mental, emotional and overall physical health. However, insomnia, the most common sleep disorder in the United States, affects an estimated 40 million Americans every year, according to the National Sleep Foundation. There are two types of insomnia:
Insomnia affects your energy levels, and your long-term health. Find a board-certified primary care provider who can help you address the cause of your sleeplessness.
Insomnia is usually a side effect of another condition or problem. The following are some possible insomnia causes:
Travel — Crossing time zones can interfere with the body's circadian rhythm and negatively affect the sleep cycle.
The effects of insomnia can be dangerous for your health. Chronic lack of sleep can affect your judgment, concentration and energy levels. If you struggle with insomnia, it's important to seek treatment. Below are some ways you can manage or treat the disorder.
If lifestyle changes don't improve your sleep, speak with your primary care provider about a referral to a sleep specialist. A specialist can conduct a sleep study to determine the cause of your insomnia.
Your primary care provider can also determine whether over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids might help. Finally, he or she can refer you to a psychologist or counselor for behavioral or cognitive therapy to relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality.