01 Jan Can a Concierge Doctor Treat Your Insomnia Symptoms?

Insomnia is a fairly common sleep condition that millions of people around the world struggle with. While many products and treatments are available, insomnia affects everyone differently, so choosing the perfect remedy for your needs is challenging. 

If you’re struggling with insomnia and aren’t sure what to do, you’ve come to the right place. This article will delve deeper into insomnia, how it affects you, and which treatment to pursue.

What is Insomnia? 

According to the ICD-10 code (G47.00), insomnia is a sleep disorder where you have difficulty falling asleep at night or during your typical sleeping time. You can lie awake for hours on end tossing and turning but to no avail. In serious cases, people can stay awake for days on end without being able to fall asleep.

Insomnia is tricky to catch and treat because it comes in many forms and affects everyone differently. You can have one or two sleepless nights in a row and then be fine for months, or you can experience it more frequently, sometimes every night. Insomnia can also come in the form of falling asleep but then having difficulty staying asleep and awakening often throughout the night.

What are the Different Types of Insomnia?

Insomnia ICD-10 clarifies that generally, there are two types – primary and secondary.

Primary Insomnia 

This means that insomnia is your only condition and is not a result of lifestyle habits, another illness, or disease.

Secondary Insomnia 

Secondary insomnia is typically a symptom of a larger problem. Conditions leading to this problem include cancer, asthma, arthritis, depression, and many others.

In addition to primary and secondary insomnia, there are four other subtypes that can affect you:

• Sleep onset insomnia – With this type, you have trouble falling asleep initially.

• Sleep maintenance insomnia – You can fall asleep but wake up repeatedly.

• Mixed insomnia – You struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
• Paradoxical insomnia – You might get all the sleep you need, but it doesn’t feel restful, and you wake up sluggish and tired.

These different types and classifications can be put into one of two categories.

Acute Insomnia

Acute, aka short-term insomnia, is more common but less serious than its chronic counterpart. When the problem is acute, you have difficulty falling asleep occasionally, and it can last for a single night to several weeks in a row. While acute insomnia isn’t as troubling initially, it’s essential seek treatment because it can lead to a long-term chronic problem.

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia is the less common of the two types, but also more dangerous. You experience difficulty falling or staying asleep at least three nights per week for several months. Chronic insomnia can lead to serious health problems, so you should speak with your doctor to get the right treatment for you.

Insomnia Symptoms and Signs 

In addition to having sleep issues, you may experience several signs and symptoms if you can’t sleep properly.

• Fatigue and drowsiness during the day
• Depression
• Anger and grumpiness
• Bad memory
• Difficulty focusing
• Stress and worry
• Headaches
• Lack of motivation
• Gastrointestinal issues

What Causes Insomnia, and Who is at Risk for Developing it?

While anyone can develop insomnia, some people are more prone to developing it than others, such as older individuals or those who have a family history of insomnia.

Additionally, there are several known risk factors and causes, such as:

• Sudden changes in your sleep schedule result from jet lag, changing shifts at work, or simply staying up later than usual.
• Trying to sleep in an uncomfortable, stuffy room.
• Struggling with nightmares or night terrors that cause you to awaken.
• A lack of exercise.
• Poor diet.

Some underlying health conditions can also cause insomnia, including:

• Acid reflux
• Anxiety
• Restless leg syndrome
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Stress
• Genetics
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Drugs and medications
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Sleep apnea

Treatments and Medications

Regardless of what is causing your insomnia or what type you have, it is important to seek treatment to remedy the problem.

DIY and Home Remedies 

• Get back on a healthy and regular sleep schedule and improve your circadian rhythm.
• Go for a walk when you wake up, make sure to expose your eyes and skin to sunlight.
• Only drink coffee early in the morning or eliminate caffeine altogether.
• Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
• Eat tryptophan-rich foods a few hours before bedtime.
• Give yourself time in the evening to wind down before going straight to bed. Journaling, reading, and breathing exercises can help. Also, put your blue light emitters (phone, TV, PC) to rest.
• Sleep in a comfortable environment, void of any artificial or natural lights.
• Seek counseling for insomnia related to stress or depression.

Medications 

While prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills and sleeping aids are an option, they are unlikely to help your insomnia for the long-term. Instead, it is better to get to the root of the problem and fix it.

When should I Contact an Insomnia Doctor Specialist near Me? 

If you’ve been struggling with insomnia for at least a month and home remedies aren’t working, you should contact your doctor. Insomnia can lead to obesity, heart problems, and many other health conditions, so getting prompt treatment is essential. You should also contact your doctor if you wake up gasping for air, experience leg or heart pain in your sleep, or have a crawling sensation in your legs.

Should I go to Urgent Care?

In most cases, you do not have to seek urgent care for insomnia. However, if your insomnia has led to a serious or life-threatening symptom or condition, you should seek urgent care immediately.

What Can a Concierge Doctor Do to Treat My Insomnia? 

Another great treatment option is to contact a concierge doctor for insomnia. Concierge doctors are medical professionals who come to your home or business and provide on-site treatment. They bring all their own medical and testing equipment and can perform various tests, exams, and treatments.

A concierge doctor will perform routine blood, stress, and hormone tests to confirm an insomnia diagnosis. They may also ask you to keep a sleep journal for several weeks for a reliable, first-hand account of your troubles. Depending on their findings and test results, they will treat the condition ourselves or refer you to a sleep study or clinic for further analysis or treatment.

Summary

While there are many different treatment options, in-home healthcare from a concierge doctor is one of the most effective ways to help treat insomnia. Concierge doctors can diagnose and treat insomnia with a combination of medications and treatments, all from the comfort of your home. If the cause of your insomnia requires specialist care, we will refer you to a sleep specialist so you can get the help you need.

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