Insomnia – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Insomnia – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

Insomnia, a common sleep disorder, affects the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and impaired functioning. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, or poor sleep habits. At Emirates Hospitals Group, we provide comprehensive care to identify the underlying cause of insomnia and offer personalized treatment to restore restful sleep.

Causes of Insomnia

1. Stress and Anxiety: Work-related stress, financial concerns, or personal issues can lead to difficulty falling asleep.
2. Depression: Mood disorders can interfere with sleep patterns, causing both difficulty falling asleep and early morning awakenings.
3. Chronic Pain: Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back pain can disrupt sleep.
4. Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, stimulants, and high blood pressure drugs, can cause insomnia.
5. Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol, especially close to bedtime, can interfere with sleep quality.
6. Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.
7. Poor Sleep Hygiene: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, and uncomfortable sleep environments can contribute to insomnia.

Diagnosis of Insomnia

To accurately diagnose insomnia, our specialists will perform a thorough assessment, including:

• Medical History and Sleep Patterns: A review of your sleep habits, daily routine, and any medical conditions that could be contributing to insomnia.
• Physical and Mental Health Evaluation: To identify potential underlying causes such as depression, anxiety, or other health conditions.
• Sleep Diary: You may be asked to track your sleep patterns for a couple of weeks to provide insight into your sleep behavior.
• Polysomnography: In some cases, a sleep study may be recommended to assess sleep stages and detect underlying disorders like sleep apnea.
• Actigraphy: A device worn on the wrist to monitor your sleep-wake cycle over a period of time.

Insomnia Treatments in Dubai

Treatment for insomnia at Emirates Hospitals Group is tailored to the underlying cause and may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A structured program that helps address negative thoughts and behaviors that affect sleep.
• Medications: Short-term use of sleep aids or medications may be prescribed, depending on the severity of insomnia and underlying causes.
• Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes: Improving sleep hygiene, setting a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed.
• Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: If insomnia is linked to a medical condition (like sleep apnea or depression), addressing the root cause can help resolve sleep issues.

Prevention and Sleep Hygiene

At Emirates Hospitals Group, our sleep specialists work with you to address the causes of insomnia, offering a combination of treatments to help you achieve restful, restorative sleep. Good sleep hygiene is key to preventing and managing insomnia. This includes:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Creating a comfortable sleep environment
• Limiting screen time before bed
• Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime

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