Insomnia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What Is Insomnia

Insomnia is more than an occasional bad night of sleep. It is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested upon waking. When sleep problems occur most nights and last for weeks or months, they can have a serious impact on mental and physical health.

At Coastal Breeze Mental Health, we treat adults with insomnia through evidence based medication management and behavioral sleep strategies in downtown Santa Cruz and through secure telehealth across California.

Common Symptoms of Insomnia

Insomnia can affect people differently. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty falling asleep

• Waking frequently during the night

• Waking too early and being unable to return to sleep

• Feeling unrefreshed after sleep

• Daytime fatigue or low energy

• Irritability or mood changes

• Poor concentration or memory

• Reduced work performance

When these symptoms occur at least three nights per week for several months, the condition is considered chronic insomnia.

What Causes Insomnia

Insomnia often develops from a combination of factors, including:

• Anxiety and depression

• Chronic stress

• Irregular sleep schedules

• Medical conditions such as chronic pain or sleep apnea

• Medications and stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine

• Poor sleep environment with excess light, noise, or screen use

Identifying contributing factors is essential for effective treatment.

Medications Used to Treat Insomnia

Medication may be appropriate when insomnia significantly interferes with daily functioning. Some options include:

Sedative Hypnotics

• Zolpidem

• Eszopiclone

• Zaleplon

Melatonin Related Medications

• Ramelteon

Sedating Antidepressants

• Trazodone

• Doxepin

• Mirtazapine

Medication is typically used short term and often combined with behavioral therapies to achieve lasting improvement.

Non-Medication Treatment for Insomnia

The most effective long-term treatment for chronic insomnia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia or CBT-I. This approach helps change the thoughts and habits that interfere with restful sleep.

Other helpful strategies include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule

• Reducing screen use before bed

• Avoiding caffeine late in the day

• Limiting alcohol

• Creating a cool, dark, quiet sleep environment

• Practicing relaxation techniques

When to Seek Help for Sleep Problems

If poor sleep is affecting your mood, focus, relationships, or ability to function during the day, it is time to seek professional care. Chronic insomnia increases the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and impaired immune function.

Insomnia Treatment at Coastal Breeze Mental Health

We provide:

• Full psychiatric evaluation for sleep disorders

• Medication management for insomnia

• CBT-I based treatment strategies

• In-person visits in downtown Santa Cruz

• Telehealth care throughout California

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

You do not have to live with exhausted days and restless nights. Effective insomnia treatment is available. Contact Coastal Breeze Mental Health today to schedule a confidential appointment and begin restoring healthy sleep.