“How long is the treatment for insomnia?”
I have insomnia. How long is the treatment for insomnia?
3 Answers
This is a tough question! Insomnia is a particularly complex issue and it takes a fair bit of work to determine what might be causing it before diving into treating it.
I often start by parsing out the concept of insomnia as a symptoms vs. insomnia as a pathology - more often than not, it is a symptom (though not always the case!). In those cases, we may need to dig a little deeper to find out what else can be the cause (another sleep disorder, stress, other medical conditions, medications, etc.).
If it is a pathology of its own, we often need to team up with the mental health specialists - psychiatrists - to work out a good plan to find the solution. Most often, there is some subtle other connection to an underlying mental health condition that is only showing up as insomnia!
So as far as duration: it really depends.
If we can nail down the cause and it's a simple, straightforward diagnosis, then we may we sorted within a few weeks.
If it's more complex, and truly a 'pathology', then, like any chronic condition, it might be a more long-term journey.
I often start by parsing out the concept of insomnia as a symptoms vs. insomnia as a pathology - more often than not, it is a symptom (though not always the case!). In those cases, we may need to dig a little deeper to find out what else can be the cause (another sleep disorder, stress, other medical conditions, medications, etc.).
If it is a pathology of its own, we often need to team up with the mental health specialists - psychiatrists - to work out a good plan to find the solution. Most often, there is some subtle other connection to an underlying mental health condition that is only showing up as insomnia!
So as far as duration: it really depends.
If we can nail down the cause and it's a simple, straightforward diagnosis, then we may we sorted within a few weeks.
If it's more complex, and truly a 'pathology', then, like any chronic condition, it might be a more long-term journey.
The acute stage is around 6 months but need life time monitoring and prevention of relapse. Parham Gharagozlou MD FACP Medical Director HealthySleepCare T:9258496634 :888901536
The quicker you learn proper sleep habits and follow them the quicker insomnia will improve
