It’s normal to have a sleepless night from time to time or have daytime fatigue. However, not sleeping through the night consistently or constantly feeling tired during the day is a sign of insomnia, a chronic sleep disorder that’s often linked to mental health issues. Board-certified psychiatrist, Sudhir Gadh, MD, provides customized treatments for insomnia and its underlying causes at his practice in Union Square, New York City. Book an appointment online or over the phone to get to the root of your sleepless nights.
request an appointment“Sleep is both a luxury and a necessity. When it’s not deep enough or REM deficient because of the conditions above, it can exacerbate them and prevent recovery. We must recognize the toxicity of benzodiazepine use and its effects on sleep and long-term health. To feel safe and capable is the most direct path towards ideal sleep.” – Dr. Gadh
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep throughout the night, or waking up too early. In addition to sleeplessness, it can cause symptoms, including:
- Daytime fatigue
- Concentration problems
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Irritability and mood swings
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Preoccupation with not getting enough sleep
Insomnia is classified as acute or chronic. Acute insomnia usually only lasts for a night or two and is due to an external stressor. Chronic insomnia occurs when you can’t sleep for several nights a week for three months or more. Chronic insomnia is often related to another condition, such as depression, anxiety, or a thyroid disorder.
What causes insomnia?
Psychiatric and medical disorders, hormonal imbalances, stress, and other factors can cause insomnia. Insomnia is also often a symptom of unresolved trauma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Insomnia is a common side effect of many mental health issues. For example, if you have anxiety, your mind may be whirling with fears and worries that prevent you from sleeping or wake you up throughout the night. Similarly, if you’ve survived a traumatic experience, memories or flashbacks can keep you awake or cause nightmares that wake you repeatedly during the night.
Depression can also disrupt your sleep and cause a vicious cycle where your emotions prevent you from sleeping, leaving you fatigued and depressed during the day, only to repeat the cycle, night after night.
How is insomnia treated?
Dr. Gadh begins treatment for insomnia with a comprehensive evaluation to identify the condition or issue that’s triggering your insomnia. Once he understands what’s causing it, he creates a customized treatment plan that combines medication, therapy, and changes to your sleep hygiene.
Dr. Gadh has had outstanding success in treating insomnia with low-dose prescriptions for lithium. In small doses, lithium can encourage your body to rest in deep sleep cycles, where you’re less likely to wake up.
He also offers talk therapy to resolve past trauma and other mental health conditions that may disrupt your sleep. As part of your therapy, Dr. Gadh will recommend practicing good sleeping habits, such as removing electronic devices from your bedroom, following a sleep routine, and improving your diet and exercise habits.
Don’t spend another night tossing and turning. Call or schedule a consultation online or over the phone with Sudhir Gadh, MD, today.