Insomnia

At Calvino Psychiatry, insomnia is recognized as more than just difficulty sleeping—it can affect every aspect of daily life. Struggling to get consistent, restful sleep can leave you feeling drained, unfocused, and overwhelmed. The goal of care is to provide thoughtful, individualized treatment that helps restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall well-being. By combining evidence-based approaches with a whole-person perspective, treatment is designed to address the underlying causes of insomnia—whether that means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed.

About Insomnia

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects people of all ages. It is defined by ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep despite having the opportunity to do so. Over time, poor sleep can interfere with physical health, emotional balance, and daily performance.

There are two primary types of insomnia:

  • Acute insomnia, which is short-term and often linked to temporary stressors such as illness, travel, or major life events

  • Chronic insomnia, which persists for months or longer and is frequently connected to underlying medical or mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or chronic pain

A variety of factors can contribute to insomnia. Lifestyle habits—such as irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine intake, or limited physical activity—can disrupt natural sleep rhythms. Environmental influences like noise, lighting, and room temperature may also impact sleep quality. Additionally, conditions such as sleep apnea, anxiety, or depression can play a significant role.

Because insomnia can affect both mental and physical health, seeking professional support is an important step toward improving sleep and overall quality of life.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Understanding the symptoms of insomnia can help you take the first step toward better sleep. While experiences may vary, common signs include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep at night

  • Waking up frequently during the night

  • Waking earlier than intended and being unable to fall back asleep

  • Feeling unrefreshed after sleep

  • Daytime fatigue or excessive sleepiness

  • Irritability, anxiety, or low mood

  • Trouble focusing, remembering, or completing tasks

  • Increased mistakes or accidents

  • Ongoing worry or frustration about sleep

Recognizing these patterns early can make it easier to seek the right support and begin effective treatment.

Restoring Healthy Sleep

Treatment for insomnia focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of sleep disruption. A personalized plan may include a combination of therapeutic approaches, behavioral strategies, and, when appropriate, medication.

Common treatment approaches include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A structured, evidence-based approach that helps change thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep

  • Lifestyle and sleep habit improvements: Establishing consistent sleep schedules, improving sleep environment, and reducing stimulants

  • Medication management: In some cases, sleep medications may be used to support short-term or ongoing treatment

Examples of medications that may be considered include:

  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)

  • Zaleplon (Sonata)

  • Zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist)

Non-medication strategies may include:

  • Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, and calming routines to reduce physical and mental tension

  • Sleep restriction therapy: Limiting time in bed to strengthen the body’s natural sleep drive

  • Stimulus control therapy: Reinforcing the bed and bedroom as a space only for sleep and relaxation, avoiding activities like working or eating in bed