Bob Curley is a frequent contributor to Healthline and Greatist, writing on a diversity of topics from COVID-19 to sex toys and how brandy can be a health food (no, really!). Bob is also a lifestyle writer who occasionally gets to interview his rock star heroes and travel writer who occasionally gets to sit on beaches and tell people he’s working.\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":200,"height":200,"src":"https://post.healthline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/200x200_Bob_Curley.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":5097,"name":{"display":"Megan Soliman, MD","first":"Megan","last":"Soliman, MD"},"userLogin":"msoliman","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/megan-soliman-md","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"
Chronic insomnia can affect daily life. To prepare for a doctor’s visit to discuss treatment for your insomnia, track your sleep habits and write down any questions you may have.
There’s a long list of health complications linked to long-term lack of sleep. Chronic insomnia can also seriously affect your quality of life, from constantly feeling tired to an increased risk of depression.
The occasional bout of sleeplessness is no cause for alarm. But if you go night after night without getting a full night’s sleep, that’s a wake-up call to reach out to a doctor for help.
Most doctors understand that sleep disorders are a major health concern.
Try to raise the subject of sleep if you’re having issues with your doctor if they don’t bring it up. If you have chronic insomnia, you shouldn’t sweep it under the rug.
You can try a few things at home first to improve your sleep before reaching out to your doctor. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
keeping regular sleep-wake and meal schedules, even on weekends
limiting screen time before bed and reducing light in your sleep space
exercising regularly, at least 5 to 6 hours before bedtime.
cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, and other drug use, especially before bed
avoiding smoking, if you smoke, or trying a smoking cessation program
avoiding daytime napping
practicing relaxation techniques before bed, such as meditation, gentle yoga, or light stretching
leaving bed if you can’t sleep, then return to bed when you feel tired again.
If these steps don’t resolve your insomnia, you should discuss your sleep concerns with your doctor.
You should talk with your doctor if you consistently:
Your doctor may be able to recommend behavioral therapy to help you overcome your chronic insomnia, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Medications can help restore typical sleep patterns.
“I recommend using cognitive behavioral therapy as the first-line treatment for insomnia since it is safer, more lasting, and at least as effective as any sleep medication,†says Pietro L. Ratti, MD, a neurologist and sleep specialist.
Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep disorder center, where your sleeping patterns can be monitored and analyzed during an overnight sleep study.
Chronic insomnia is a serious health condition. It can lead to or worsen other physical and mental health disorders.
Talk with your doctor about any chronic sleep problems. You can prepare questions ahead of time and use an app or paper to track your sleep habits to discuss with your doctor.
Self-help techniques may be effective in resolving chronic insomnia, but your doctor also can recommend treatments for chronic insomnia, including behavioral therapy and medication.
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