Psychiatric Care for Insomnia & Sleep Problems
Online evaluation and treatment for adults in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
Tired All Day. Awake at Night.
You know you're exhausted.
You know you need sleep.
But when your head finally hits the pillow, your brain seems to have other plans.
Or perhaps falling asleep isn't the problem—you wake throughout the night, wake much earlier than you intended, or sleep for hours but still don't feel rested.
Sleep problems can affect concentration, mood, patience, productivity, and overall mental health.
What Does Insomnia Look Like?
Sleep difficulties may include:
Trouble falling asleep
Frequently waking during the night
Difficulty returning to sleep
Waking earlier than intended
Inconsistent sleep patterns
Feeling mentally active at bedtime
Poor-quality sleep
Daytime fatigue
Irritability after inadequate sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling unrefreshed despite spending enough time in bed
Understanding why you're having difficulty sleeping is important before deciding how to treat it.
Sleep Problems Can Have Many Causes
Insomnia can occur independently or alongside other conditions.
Potential contributors may include:
Anxiety: Racing thoughts and worry can make it difficult to relax.
Depression: Depression can affect sleep duration and quality.
ADHD: Difficulty regulating routines and shutting down mentally may interfere with sleep.
Stress and burnout: A chronically activated mind may struggle to transition into rest.
Hormonal changes: Some women experience changes in sleep during perimenopause and menopause.
Medical conditions, medications, substances, sleep disorders, schedules, and lifestyle factors can also contribute.
Psychiatric Evaluation of Sleep Difficulties
Evaluation may include discussion of your sleep schedule, bedtime routine, nighttime awakenings, daytime fatigue, mental health symptoms, medical history, medications, caffeine or substance use, stress, and previous treatments.
If your symptoms suggest that another medical or sleep condition should be evaluated, referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.
Treating Insomnia
Treatment depends on the suspected causes of your sleep difficulty.
Recommendations may include addressing an underlying psychiatric condition, improving sleep habits, behavioral approaches, psychotherapy or CBT-I referral, medication when clinically appropriate, medication adjustments, or additional medical evaluation.
The goal isn't simply to make you sleepy.
It's to understand what is interfering with restorative sleep and identify a safe, sustainable treatment strategy.
Sleep Medication
Medication can sometimes be appropriate for insomnia, but it isn't the right solution for every patient.
Some sleep medications carry risks including sedation, dependence, tolerance, cognitive effects, interactions with other medications or substances, and impaired functioning.
Medication decisions are individualized based on your symptoms, medical history, current medications, previous treatment, and safety considerations.
Controlled sleep medications are subject to additional prescribing and monitoring requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I seek help for insomnia?
Consider evaluation when sleep difficulties persist, cause significant distress, or begin affecting your mood, concentration, energy, work, relationships, or daily functioning.
Can anxiety cause insomnia?
Yes. Worry, racing thoughts, and physical tension can interfere with the body's ability to transition into sleep.
Can menopause affect sleep?
Perimenopause and menopause can coincide with changes in sleep, mood, anxiety, and other symptoms. Evaluation can help determine whether several factors may be contributing.
Do you prescribe sleeping medication?
Medication may be considered when clinically appropriate, but an appointment does not guarantee that a particular medication will be prescribed.
Can insomnia be treated through telehealth?
Eligible adults in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware may receive psychiatric evaluation and treatment through telehealth.
Better Sleep Starts With Understanding What's Keeping You Awake
If poor sleep is beginning to affect how you feel and function during the day, consider scheduling an evaluation.
Schedule an Appointment