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Insomnia

Mental Health & Psychiatric Nurse Practioner located in Chandler, AZ

About Insomnia

If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, you can suffer from feelings of exhaustion and being overwhelmed. At Silver Lining Psychiatry and Wellness in Chandler, Arizona, Chrissy McLaughlin, PMHNP-BC, offers compassionate, personalized care to address insomnia’s root causes. She works with you to create a plan that improves your sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed and ready to face the day with renewed energy. Schedule an evaluation today by phone or book online any time, day or night.

Insomnia Q&A

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder defined by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to go back to sleep. It can lead to poor sleep quality and insufficient rest, affecting your mood, energy, and overall health. Insomnia can be short-term (acute), lasting days or weeks, or long-term (chronic), persisting for months or longer.

What is the difference between not sleeping well and insomnia?

Not sleeping well might mean occasionally having trouble falling asleep or waking up feeling tired. This can happen due to stress, changes in routine, or environmental factors. 

Insomnia, on the other hand, tends to be a more long-lasting issue. It involves consistent difficulties with sleep that happen at least three times per week for a month or more, significantly impacting daily functioning and well-being.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia can result from several factors, including the following:

Stress and anxiety

These can make it difficult to relax or “switch off” at night, especially during stressful life changes.

Medical conditions

Issues like chronic pain, asthma, or acid reflux may interfere with restful sleep, causing frequent nighttime awakenings.

Mental health disorders

Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often contribute to sleep disturbances.

Lifestyle habits

Irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol intake, screen use before bed, and poor sleep environments can disrupt sleep.

Hormonal changes

Shifts related to menopause or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect sleep patterns and cause ongoing sleep problems and fatigue.

How is insomnia treated?

At Silver Lining Psychiatry and Wellness, Chrissy’s effective insomnia treatment looks beyond symptoms to address the whole person. Care includes:

  • Comprehensive assessment of sleep habits, stress, medical history, and lifestyle
  • Personalized medication management
  • Improving sleep hygiene, such as consistent sleep schedules and reducing screen time before bed
  • Addressing underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or hormonal imbalances
  • Incorporating nutritional guidance, relaxation techniques, and stress management

This whole-person approach helps you regain restful sleep and improve your overall quality of life.

If you struggle with insomnia, turn to Silver Lining Psychiatry and Wellness for effective treatment. Text or book an appointment online today.