Insomnia is a persistent difficulty with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early despite having the opportunity for sleep. It often leads to daytime fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, and reduced quality of life.

✔ Acute Insomnia – Short-term sleep difficulties often triggered by stress, illness, or life changes
✔ Chronic Insomnia – Sleep problems lasting three or more nights per week for at least three months
✔ Onset Insomnia – Difficulty falling asleep at the beginning of the night
✔ Maintenance Insomnia – Waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to return to sleep
✔ Early-Morning Awakening Insomnia – Waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep

✔ Stress & Anxiety – Worry and racing thoughts can keep the brain in a state of alertness
✔ Poor Sleep Habits – Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time, and consuming caffeine late in the day
✔ Medical Conditions – Pain, asthma, acid reflux, and hormonal imbalances can interfere with sleep
✔ Mental Health Disorders – Depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders are often linked to insomnia
✔ Medication & Substance Use – Stimulants, antidepressants, alcohol, and nicotine can disrupt sleep patterns

A comprehensive sleep evaluation is conducted to assess sleep habits, underlying medical or psychological conditions, and lifestyle factors affecting sleep. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we provide telehealth-based insomnia assessments to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

CBT-I is a structured, non-medication approach that helps individuals identify and change negative sleep habits, reduce nighttime anxiety, and improve sleep quality. It includes:
✔ Sleep Education – Understanding sleep cycles and how to optimize them
✔ Cognitive Restructuring – Changing negative thoughts about sleep that contribute to insomnia
✔ Sleep Restriction Therapy – Adjusting sleep schedules to increase sleep efficiency
✔ Relaxation Techniques – Deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation to calm the mind and body

Yes! CBT-I is the most effective long-term treatment for insomnia and is recommended as the first-line treatment by sleep specialists and major health organizations. Medications can provide temporary relief, but behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes offer lasting results.

✔ Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
✔ Limit Screen Time Before Bed – Reduce exposure to blue light from phones, tablets, and TVs
✔ Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine – Engage in calming activities like reading, meditation, or gentle stretching
✔ Avoid Stimulants & Heavy Meals Before Bed – Limit caffeine, nicotine, and large meals in the evening
✔ Optimize Your Sleep Environment – Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for better sleep quality

You can schedule an insomnia consultation or CBT-I treatment session by filling out our online form or contacting us directly. Our telehealth services make expert sleep therapy convenient and accessible from home.