What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep for a full eight hours. It might also cause you to wake up early or prevent you from falling back to sleep. Almost everyone has difficulty sleeping occasionally, but if it persists for weeks or months at a time, it can drain your energy and make it difficult to go to work or perform other routine tasks.
Insomnia can occur on its own or as the result of an underlying health problem such as chronic pain or stress. If you spend most nights tossing and turning, don’t wait to seek professional medical help.
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
The symptoms of insomnia depend on the severity of your condition. However, common telltale signs include:
- Trouble falling asleep
- Waking up out of a sound sleep
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty paying attention
- Daytime sleepiness
- An increase in errors or accidents
If you have insomnia, you might also find yourself worrying about going to bed or getting sleep.
How is insomnia diagnosed?
To diagnose insomnia, the team at Chiropractic Memphis Health & Wellness reviews your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and asks questions about your symptoms. Your provider also evaluates you for symptoms of menopause if you’re a woman and low testosterone or andropause if you’re a man. This is because hormonal imbalances are notorious for causing sleep problems.
During your appointment, make sure to let your provider know about any prescription medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you take. You should also let them know about your travel or work schedule, your sleep habits, and if you’re under any stress. All of these factors can increase your risk of insomnia.
After gathering all of the necessary information, your Chiropractic Memphis Health & Wellness provider can determine the underlying cause of your sleep-related problems.
How is insomnia treated?
Insomnia treatment depends on the underlying cause of your condition. For example, if your provider suspects menopause or low testosterone is to blame, they might recommend you visit the Collierville or Germantown Southwind office to participate in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses natural hormones that mimic those found in your body to regulate your hormone levels. The treatment is safe and well-tolerated, and presents fewer risks than traditional hormone therapy.
If your insomnia is a result of chronic pain or stress, your provider might recommend regular spinal adjustments to ease inflammation or healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising more regularly, and establishing a bedtime routine.
To explore your treatment options for insomnia, make an appointment at Chiropractic Memphis Health & Wellness by phone or online today.
