Insomnia Specialist

St. Francis Sleep, Allergy & Lung Institute

Pulmonary, Sleep, Allergy & Clinical Research Center located in Clearwater, Florida

About one-third of men and women have trouble falling or staying asleep at night. If it becomes a big enough problem, insomnia can affect your waking life, too. In Clearwater, Florida, Frank Averill, MD, at St. Francis Sleep, Lung and Allergy Institute offers insomnia testing and treatment to help you sleep at night. If you’re concerned about how a lack of sleep pervades your life, call the clinic or book your consultation online today.

727-447-3000

Insomnia Q & A

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep condition characterized by a recurring inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night, no matter how tired you feel. While most people experience some form of the condition at some point in their lives, having it for a long period of time interferes with your energy and focus during the day.

There are three common types of insomnia:

Transient insomnia - trouble sleeping for a few nights
Short-term insomnia - trouble sleeping for several weeks
Chronic insomnia - trouble sleeping almost every night for at least three months

The condition affects people of all ages, but is more common in women and aging populations. If it doesn’t seem to go away or if it affects your work, St. Francis Sleep, Lung and Allergy Institute can give you the guidance or treatment you need.

What causes insomnia?

Insomnia doesn’t have one single cause. Rather, it can be a symptom of another condition or an after-effect of a major life event. If another disease or condition is the cause, insomnia usually goes away with treatment for the underlying issue. Some factors that may contribute to your insomnia include:

Drinking too much caffeine
Drinking alcohol
Erratic work hours
Inactive lifestyle
Noise
Light
Mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Stress
Sleep apnea

When you come in for treatment, your provider at St. Francis Sleep, Lung and Allergy Institute will interview you about your lifestyle, existing medical conditions, medications you take, and recent occurrences in your life. Each case of insomnia is unique and may have several contributing factors to consider.

How is insomnia treated?

St. Francis Sleep, Lung and Allergy Institute offers eight-week programs for individuals with insomnia. A sleep specialist answers your questions and monitors your progress at regular appointments. They’ll help you develop eating and exercise habits that promote better sleep patterns.

Your doctor may also recommend or prescribe:

Medications

Some medications, like sedatives or antidepressants, help treat insomnia. Because sedatives lose their effect if you take them too often or at the wrong times, your sleep specialist will help you take them strategically to help your progress.

Behavioral therapy

Some behavior modifications can help you achieve a good night’s sleep. Your sleep specialist may advise you to stay out of your bed when it isn’t time to sleep, avoid daytime naps, or use muscle relaxation techniques before bed.

If your days are plagued with moodiness, fatigue, or trouble focusing, don’t hesitate to book your appointment by phone or online at St. Francis Sleep, Lung and Allergy Institute for insomnia testing and treatment.