Insomnia Specialist

What’s insomnia?

Insomnia is a common disorder where patients find it difficult to fall asleep and/or stay asleep. Insomnia can be caused by many different factors and affects an estimated 30-40% of Americans. Insomnia includes a wide range of sleep disorders — from lack of sleep quality to quantity — and may be associated with increased risk for obesity, anxiety, depression, irritability, concentration problems, memory problems, poor immune system function, and reduced reaction time. It has also been associated with a higher risk of developing chronic diseases.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia has many different causes, both physical and psychological in nature. Other factors include any underlying medical or sleep disorders, depression or anxiety, side-effects from medications, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm problems such as jet lag, job shift changes, environmental noise,or uncomfortable sleep environments.

Some people are more likely to suffer from insomnia than others, including:

• Frequent Travelers
• Shift workers with frequent changes in shifts (day or night)
• Elderly
• Drug users
• Adolescent or young adult students
• Pregnant women
• Menopausal women
• Those with mental health disorders

How is insomnia treated?

Dr. Norman determines what causes the insomnia. Once the problem is identified, he begins treatment with both medical and non-pharmacological therapies. Non-pharmacological approaches focus on:

• Establishing consistent and realistic sleep routines
• Getting daily exercise
• Not forcing sleep
• Avoiding caffeine at night
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding going to bed hungry
• Ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment
• Using relaxation techniques, such as meditation and muscle relaxation
• Retraining the body to associate being in bed with sleeping
• Breaking the vicious cycle of frustration about not sleeping that often results in more anxiety, which then results in more difficulty sleeping

Santa Monica Sleep Disorders Center offers 3 distinct treatment options for patients suffering from insomnia. Some patients benefit from individual consultation with Dr. Norman, where he conducts a medical history and focuses on sleep patterns to help determine if other underlying issues are present. Then he assists patients with appropriate use of medication or non-medication therapies to help treat insomnia. Other patients find an online, interactive self-help program for primary insomnia helpful. Dr. Norman offers a third option that combines evaluation and mediation therapy with the online program for a more personalized approach to therapy.