Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is more than the occasional sleepless night. It’s a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested. When poor sleep happens regularly, it can affect mood, focus, work performance, and overall health.

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we help adults struggling with insomnia through evidence-based treatments such as CBT-I and medication management. We serve patients in the Santa Cruz area and across California via telehealth.

Common Symptoms of Insomnia

Insomnia can present in different ways. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night

• Waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep

• Waking up earlier than desired

• Feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking

• Daytime fatigue or low energy

• Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things

• Decreased work or academic performance

If these symptoms occur at least three nights per week and persist for months, it may be chronic insomnia.

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can stem from multiple factors, including:

• Stress, anxiety, or depression

• Irregular sleep schedule or shift work

• Medical conditions (chronic pain, sleep apnea, restless legs)

• Medications or stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, certain prescriptions)

• Poor sleep environment (noise, light, temperature)

Identifying the root cause helps guide the best treatment plan.

Medication Options for Insomnia

Medications may be recommended when insomnia significantly interferes with daily functioning. Options include:

• Sedative-hypnotics: zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata)

• Melatonin receptor agonists: ramelteon (Rozerem)

• Sedating antidepressants: trazodone, doxepin, mirtazapine

• Orexin Receptor Antagonists: Suvorexant (Belsomra)

• Over-the-counter options: melatonin supplements or antihistamines (not recommended long-term)

Medication is often prescribed short-term or in combination with behavioral strategies.

Non-Medication Treatment Options

Many people benefit from non-medication strategies, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is considered the gold standard treatment.

• CBT-I: Helps identify and change thoughts and habits that interfere with sleep.

• Sleep hygiene: Consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine, avoiding screens before bed.

• Relaxation techniques: Mindfulness, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation.

• Lifestyle adjustments: Regular exercise, balanced diet, reducing alcohol or nicotine use.

When to Seek Help

Insomnia can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. If poor sleep is affecting your daily life, it’s time to reach out for professional support.

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we offer:

• CBT-I and other evidence-based therapies

• Medication management tailored to your needs

• In-person care in Santa Cruz

• Telehealth appointments across California

Take the Next Step

You don’t have to live with constant sleepless nights. Contact Coastal Breeze Mental Health today to schedule an appointment and explore effective treatment options for insomnia.

📍 Serving Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Los Gatos, San Jose, and all of California via telehealth.