Insomnia Evaluation & Treatment in Mt. Airy and Kernersville, NC
Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep can affect every part of your day. Our sleep medicine team can help identify what’s behind your insomnia and build a treatment plan to help you rest better.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get restorative rest, even when you have enough time to sleep. It can be short-term, often tied to stress or a life change, or chronic, lasting for months or longer.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Waking too early and being unable to fall back asleep
- Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
- Irritability or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling unrested even after a full night in bed
What Causes Insomnia?
Insomnia can be caused by stress, anxiety, certain medications, caffeine or alcohol use, an irregular sleep schedule, or an underlying sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, insomnia occurs on its own without another clear cause.
How We Diagnose Insomnia
Diagnosis starts with a detailed conversation about your sleep habits and history. In some cases, a sleep study may be recommended to rule out other sleep disorders that can contribute to insomnia symptoms. Learn more about our sleep testing options.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may include behavioral strategies to improve sleep habits, addressing any contributing conditions, and in some cases short-term medication support while longer-term strategies take effect.
Insomnia FAQs
How long does insomnia need to last before it’s considered chronic?
Insomnia is generally considered chronic when it occurs at least three nights a week for three months or longer.
Can stress cause insomnia?
Yes, stress and anxiety are among the most common causes of short-term insomnia, though chronic insomnia can also develop or persist independently of stress.
Is insomnia related to sleep apnea?
Sometimes. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can contribute to fragmented sleep and insomnia-like symptoms, which is why a sleep evaluation can be helpful.
Will I need a sleep study to be diagnosed with insomnia?
Not always. Many cases are diagnosed based on a detailed conversation about your sleep habits, though a sleep study may be recommended if another sleep disorder is suspected.
What lifestyle changes can help with insomnia?
Consistent sleep and wake times, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can all support better sleep.
Are sleep medications the only treatment option?
No, treatment is tailored to the cause and often starts with behavioral strategies. Medication may be used short-term in some cases.
When should I see a specialist for insomnia?
If insomnia is persistent, affecting your daily functioning, or you suspect an underlying sleep disorder, it’s a good time to schedule an evaluation.
Start Sleeping Through the Night
Let our sleep medicine team help you find the cause of your insomnia and a path to better rest.