Are There Risks Associated with Insomnia?

Sleep is essential for not only your physical health but also your mental health. This is the time when our body rests and recharges. It’s hard to function or feel at your best if you can’t get to sleep. While we know this to be true, many of us spend hours lying awake in bed, counting sheep and hoping to finally get those elusive 8 hours. 

We have all heard the guidance, eight hours of sleep is often thought to be best, though everyone is different. “Some people need less than seven hours, while others might need more,” says Eric Zhou with the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

What Are The Risks? 

We all know that we aren’t our best selves when sleep deprived. There can be risks that go beyond feeling cranky when we don’t get enough sleep. 

Occasionally having a poor night of sleep won’t cause too much trouble, however, chronically not getting enough sleep can lead to a number of consequences. These consequences can include; 

  • Increased likelihood of developing dementia
  • Greater risk of heart disease
  • Higher risk for type 2 diabetes
  • Increased risk of depression
  • Higher rates of anxiety
  • Memory problems
  • Slower reaction time
  • Obesity
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Increased risk of accidents

The list can go on, it is not meant to be exhaustive but rather to give you an idea of what can happen when you aren’t getting enough sleep. 

Improving Your Sleep, One Step at a Time

Many of us know our sleep isn’t as good as we would like, though not everyone knows their options in treating sleep problems. The first step for you may be figuring out what is causing your sleepless nights. 

Sometimes medical problems can lead to insomnia, or chronic lack of sleep. Mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD etc can also lead to sleep disturbance. Finding out what is keeping you awake is a great place to start and can help you figure out where to start. 

Therapy can be a powerful way to address sleep disturbance and find ways to start getting the rest you need. You can learn and identify triggers to what keeps you awake at night. Your therapist can help you to learn effective skills to start getting the rest you need. Healthy lifestyle changes can also make a world of difference. 

There are many medications that can also help you to improve your sleep. Sometimes therapy alone isn’t effective, meeting with a psychiatric professional to explore other options can help you to start getting the rest you need. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) and Psychiatric Physician Assistants (PAs) have advanced training and can offer their expertise in this arena. They are able to take a look at what is going on for you and offer a holistic approach. 

Start Catching ZZZ’s 

It shouldn’t be difficult to find the right providers to help you start getting the sleep you need. Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, North Carolina contracts with skilled licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals. You don’t have to choose which approach to start with, you can start with both!

Sleep is important for your mental and physical wellbeing. You don’t have to stay up counting sheep and hoping to finally get the rest you need. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment!