Sleep Problems

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, often resulting in non-restorative sleep. Insomnia is an extremely common problem that can take a toll on your energy level, mood, and ability to function during the day. At many points, adults may experience short-term insomnia, lasting for a few days or a few weeks. However, some individuals can suffer from chronic insomnia, lasting for more than one month. 

Symptoms of insomnia may include: 
  • Difficulty falling asleep at night, despite being tired
  • Waking up during the night 
  • Waking up too early 
  • Not feeling well-rested after a night of sleep
  • Trouble resuming sleep when awakened 
  • Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
  • Irritability, depression or anxiety 
  • Difficulty concentrating or forgetting things 
  • Increased errors or accidents 
  • Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep 
  • Ongoing worry regarding sleep 
Some of the causes of insomnia can include stress, unhealthy sleep habits, or mental health concerns like anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Additionally, having difficulty sleeping can also make anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms worse. 

How is insomnia treated?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals recognize thoughts and actions that keep them awake and is generally recommended as the first line of treatment for people with insomnia. Often, mindfulness techniques are used to help individuals relax at nighttime. 

If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms, you may be experiencing insomnia. Contact us for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how we can help. 

How is hypersomnia treated?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to be an effective treatment for hypersomnia as it can help individuals address their thoughts related to sleep and situations in their life which may be contributing to depression, substance use, or sleep deprivation. 

If you’ve experienced any of the above symptoms, you may be experiencing hypersomnia. Contact us for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see how we can help. 

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a type of excessive tiredness, characterized by sleeping frequently during the day, often at inappropriate times like while working, eating, and meal, or during conversation. Additionally, individuals with hypersomnia often have difficulty waking from a long sleep. 

Other symptoms of hypersomnia may include: 
  • Anxiety 
  • Increased irritability 
  • Decreased energy 
  • Restlessness 
  • Slowed thinking or speech 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Hallucinations 
  • Decreased concentration 
  • Memory problems 
Hypersomnia can often occur during the course of depression, substance use disorders, a head injury, or be due to sleep deprivation. 

How are night terrors treated?

Relaxation techniques, like mindfulness, may help a person cope with stress causing night terrors. Additionally, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may help individuals to address sources of stress or anxiety causing night terrors. 

If you are experiencing night terrors and find them hard to cope with, contact us for a free 15 minute consultation to see how we can help. 

Night Terrors

Night terrors are episodes of fear, screaming, or flailing while being asleep. Night terrors differ from nightmares in that an individual with a night terrors remains asleep until the dream until it is over. Night terrors are often brought on by stress , sleep deprivation, depression , anxiety , PTSD , or substance use. Night terrors are uncommon, but usually affect children under the age of 12. However, they can occasionally occur in adults. 


During a night terror episode, individuals may: 

 

  • Scream or shout 
  • Sit up in bed and appear frightened 
  • Sweat, breathe heavily, and have a racing pulse
  • Kick and thrash 
  • Be hard to awaken or be confused when woken 
  • Be inconsolable after waking 
  • Have no or little memory of the night terror the next morning 
  • Sleepwalk 
  • Have aggressive behaviours if blocked or restrained 

 

Sleep Problem FAQs

  • When should I see a therapist for sleep problems?

    If trouble sleeping lasts more than a few weeks or affects your mood, focus, or daily functioning, therapy may help. Ongoing insomnia is not just inconvenient but can also affect your overall physical and mental health. 

  • What psychological issues can cause poor sleep?

    nxiety, depression, trauma, and stress are common psychological causes of insomnia and disrupted sleep. Overthinking at night or recurring nightmares can also play a role in difficulties with sleep. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or having consistent trouble sleeping, it may be helpful to speak to a professional. 

  • Can therapy help with nightmares or night terrors?

    Yes. Therapy can help identify triggers for nightmares, reduce anxiety, and teach techniques to manage distressing dreams. Trauma-focused therapy and CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) can be especially effective for addressing these concerns.