Chronic Insomnia: A Serious Sleep Issue

Whether due to excitement or stress, everyone has difficulty falling asleep at some point in their life. However, when someone has difficulty falling asleep three or more times a week for longer than three months, they may be suffering from chronic insomnia.

Chronic Insomnia: What Causes It?

According to The Mayo Clinic, chronic insomnia can be triggered by the following:

• Stressful life events. This can include “good stress,” like weddings, childbirth, and family vacations — but too much stress, whether good or bad, can lead to chronic insomnia.
• Prescription medication. The ingredients in some high blood pressure medications and some antidepressants can interfere with a good night’s sleep.
• Consuming caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in excess. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and some sodas) and nicotine (found in cigarettes and other tobacco products) are stimulants that will prevent you from falling asleep. While alcohol’s depressant qualities may help you sleep, it will prevent deeper sleep stages, resulting in the disruption of a good night’s sleep.
• Mental health disorders. Certain mental health disorders can interfere with the body’s ability to sleep restfully.
• Bad sleeping habits. Are you someone who sleeps with the TV on or with a smartphone in your hand? Do you go to the gym at night instead of in the morning? Do you have an inconsistent sleep schedule — that is, one where you get up and go to sleep at different hours of the day and night? If so, you have bad sleeping habits, and these habits will contribute to chronic insomnia.

Potential Adverse Effects

Chronic insomnia isn’t something you can fix with an extra cup of coffee in the morning. A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that consistent failure to get a good night’s sleep will have long-term consequences on your health, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Asthma
• Depression
• Anxiety

In addition, insomnia is a risk factor for sleep apnea and may worsen the associated symptoms. These two conditions often occur together, according to a study by two Rush University Medical Center behavioral scientists.

Let Silent Night Therapy of Babylon Dental Care Help You Get a Good Night’s Sleep

A good night’s sleep is the key to overall holistic health, and chronic insomnia will eventually

interfere with your health. That’s where Silent Night Therapy of Babylon Dental Care can help. We are led by Dr. Clifford Brown, who has been running his practice since 1983. With his training in Dental Sleep Medicine and Oral Appliance Therapy, Dr. Brown has helped hundreds of patients conquer the pain of chronic insomnia by dealing with their sleep apnea.

Dr. Brown is a Member of both the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and The Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorder Disciplines, marking his commitment to his patients and his promise to help them lead a healthier life that includes a good night’s sleep.

Silent Night Therapy offers complimentary consultations to all prospective patients. We have two convenient locations — one in West Babylon and one in Patchogue. Additionally, Silent Night Therapy accepts most major insurance plans, and offers affordable payment options for those who have no insurance.

Call Silent Night Therapy at 631-983-2463 or contact us online, and let’s conquer your chronic insomnia together.