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Overcome Insomnia with Compassionate Therapy

Struggling with sleepless nights? Let our expert therapists help you regain restful sleep with a personalized treatment plan.

Insomnia

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Wholesome Psychology, Alberta, CA
Author: wholesome
Date: November 30, 2024

Understanding Insomnia and How Therapy Can Help

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that prevents individuals from falling asleep or staying asleep for an adequate amount of time. Those suffering from insomnia may find themselves unable to fall asleep initially, waking up multiple times throughout the night, or waking up far too early and being unable to return to sleep. Over time, chronic insomnia can lead to both physical and mental exhaustion, affecting your overall quality of life. It may also be a sign or symptom of underlying physical or mental health conditions.

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia can be categorized into three types, each with varying causes and durations:

  • Transient Insomnia: This type of insomnia is often linked to temporary disruptions like travel or stress. It typically lasts for no more than seven days.
  • Acute (Short-Term) Insomnia: Often stress-related, acute insomnia can last for up to 30 days.
  • Chronic Insomnia: This long-term sleep disorder persists for more than a month and may be accompanied by severe symptoms such as fatigue, visual disturbances, or even hallucinations.

Signs and Symptoms of Insomnia

The effects of insomnia can deeply impact both your physical and mental well-being. Common symptoms include:

  • Increased irritability or impatience
  • Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Making frequent careless mistakes due to lack of focus
  • A feeling of being constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can stem from a wide range of physical and psychological causes. Identifying the underlying issue is key to finding the right treatment.

Physical Causes:

  • Heart conditions
  • Pain from chronic conditions like arthritis
  • Frequent urination due to conditions like diabetes or prostate issues
  • Breathing disorders such as asthma
  • Alcohol or recreational drug use
  • Poor sleep environments (excessive noise, light, uncomfortable bed)
  • Certain medications
  • Cognitive disorders such as dementia
  • Excessive screen time before bed
  • Night shifts or irregular work hours
  • Time zone changes or jet lag

Psychological Causes:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Grief or trauma
  • Major life changes or career transitions
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When to Seek Help for Insomnia

If insomnia is affecting your daily functioning or causing you to miss out on important activities, relationships, or work, it’s time to seek help. If you're finding it difficult to feel rested or are struggling with overwhelming tiredness, working with a therapist can help uncover the root cause of your sleep difficulties. Even if the cause is physical, therapy can still be beneficial in managing the emotional and mental toll insomnia can take.

Insomnia Treatment Options

Understanding the cause of your insomnia is essential to finding the right treatment. Your therapist will work closely with you to explore potential physical, emotional, or psychological triggers for your sleeplessness. Based on the findings, personalized treatment plans may include therapy techniques to address grief, anxiety, trauma, or any other underlying mental health condition contributing to your sleep difficulties.

If you're struggling with insomnia, therapy can provide a pathway to meaningful change. With the support of a qualified therapist, you can develop strategies to improve your sleep hygiene, manage stress, and restore your natural sleep cycle. Through personalized treatment, you'll also have the opportunity to work on the root causes of your insomnia, ensuring long-term relief and recovery.

How Wholesome Psychology Can Help

At Wholesome Psychology, our team of certified therapists understands the challenges of insomnia and the toll it can take on your mental and physical well-being. We take a compassionate, client-centered approach, working with you to identify the underlying causes of your sleeplessness and offering practical, tailored strategies to help you reclaim restful nights. Whether you’re facing stress, anxiety, trauma, or other concerns, we are here to guide you on your journey toward healing.

If you're ready to take the first step towards restful sleep, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. With flexible therapy options and a focus on your unique needs, we’re here to help you find peace and balance.

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