Insomnia Specialist
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Kudos Medical
Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Chittenango, NY & Dewitt, NY
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder affecting about 25% of the American population at any given time. Left untreated, insomnia may negatively impact your performance at work and increase your risk of more serious health problems. At Kudos Medical in Chittenango and Dewitt, New York, board-certified internal medicine physician Ife Ojugbeli, MD, and the team regularly work with men and women to diagnose and treat insomnia. To request your appointment, call the office or book online today.
Insomnia Q & A
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep-related health problem that causes you to have difficulty falling or staying asleep. If you have insomnia, you might also wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble going back to sleep. Over time, insomnia drains your energy, affecting your energy levels and mood.
Almost everyone experiences insomnia from time-to-time, either as a result of stress or illness. However, some people experience chronic insomnia that lasts for a month or more. Usually, this points to a more serious underlying health problem.
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
The symptoms of insomnia vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common telltale signs of insomnia include:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up too early
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Depression or anxiety
- Ongoing worries about sleep
If you have insomnia, you’re also more likely to make errors at work or experience an automobile accident.
Who is at risk of experiencing insomnia?
Insomnia affects all types of people, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being a woman
- Being 60 or older
- Experiencing a lot of stress
- Having a mental health disorder
- Diagnosed with a chronic physical ailment
You’re also more likely to experience insomnia if you don’t keep a schedule. Changing shifts at work or traveling frequently can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm.
What is the process for diagnosing insomnia?
At Kudos Medical, diagnosing insomnia begins with a thorough physical exam, review of your medical history, and a discussion of your sleep habits.
During your appointment, your provider has you fill out a questionnaire that covers everything from your bedtime to your levels of daytime sleepiness.
If these measures don’t provide enough information, your doctor might also recommend participating in a sleep study. A sleep study monitors vital signs such as your breathing, heart beat, eye movements, and brain waves during sleep.
What is the process for treating insomnia?
At Kudos Medical, treating insomnia usually begins with healthy lifestyle changes. Depending on your symptoms and health history, your doctor might recommend managing your stress levels, updating your prescription medications, or getting exercise during the day to increase your level of sleepiness.
If these methods don’t allow you to sleep more soundly, you might benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, prescription medication, or over-the-counter sleep aids.
If you’re tired of tossing and turning all night, help is available. Request an insomnia appointment at Kudos Medical by calling the office or booking online today.
