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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Insomnia Key Facts
Insomnia (sleeplessness) is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of people around the world. Symptoms include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or a combination of both. Here, we will take a closer look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments available.
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is when you find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or have restless sleep. Insomnia is a symptom rather than the disease itself. Symptoms of Insomnia may range from mild to severe and include a lack of sleep leading to daytime sleepiness, tiredness, changes in mood and an impaired quality of life.
Types of Insomnia
Insomnia can be classified into two main types:
- Acute Insomnia (short-term Insomnia) is temporary and lasts for a few days or weeks. It is often caused by stress, illness, or a change in sleep patterns
- Chronic Insomnia (long-term Insomnia) may continue for at least 3 nights each week for 3 months or more
Primary and Secondary causes of Insomnia
Primary Insomnia is associated with sleep problems not directly linked to other underlying medical or psychiatric conditions. Primary Insomnia is often associated with stress, poor sleep hygiene, or other psychological factors. Secondary Insomnia on the other hand occurs because of other health problems or factors that disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.
Diagnostic process and sleep study
Diagnosis involves a medical review, an assessment of your sleep patterns, and an evaluation of any underlying causes that may be causing your Insomnia. A study to monitor your breathing and brain activity during the night may be considered in some cases.
Causes of Insomnia
Several risk factors can increase your risk of developing Insomnia and prevent a good night’s sleep.
- Mental disorders can greatly affect sleep quality
- Other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome
- Medical conditions such as neurological conditions, chronic pain, or hormonal imbalances
- Antidepressants or medication for asthma or high blood pressure
- Over-the-counter treatments containing stimulants
- Excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol or substance abuse
- Irregular sleep schedules due to jet lag, affecting your circadian rhythm
- Poor sleep hygiene, which can also contribute to trouble sleeping
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and the menstrual cycle
- Age-related changes in underlying health conditions, especially in older adults
- Family history of Insomnia
- High levels of stress
- Shift work
Impact on physical and mental health conditions
Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Depression and anxiety, are often linked to Insomnia making symptoms worse. Insomnia can also affect memory, thought processes, and your overall quality of life. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications can all help manage Insomnia and mental health disorders.
Treatments for Insomnia
Sleep aids should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as they can cause side effects and be addictive. Some over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines may also cause drowsiness as a side effect, but treatment with these should only be short-term
Herbal supplements or homeopathic treatments include melatonin, valerian root, and lavender. Speak to a healthcare professional before starting these treatments, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes
Good sleep hygiene and making lifestyle changes can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and promote restful sleep. These include:
- Keeping to a sleep schedule
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
- Optimizing the sleep environment
- Avoiding caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime
- Getting regular exercise
Cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia
Cognitive behavioral therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) aims to identify and modify thoughts and behaviour, that contribute to sleep difficulties.
CBT-I may include various types of therapy, including sleep restriction therapy, relaxation training, stimulus control therapy, and cognitive restructuring.
Relaxation and mindfulness
Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation, can all help to calm your mind and prepare you for sleep.
Insomnia in certain age groups
Common causes of Insomnia in children include stress, anxiety, irregular sleep, and the use of electronic devices at night. Healthy bedtime routines and sleep habits will help to improve quality of sleep.
We may experience changes in our sleep patterns as we get older. Medical conditions, medication, changes in hormone levels, and lifestyle can all affect the sleep cycle of older adults. Healthy bedtime routines and sleep habits will help to improve quality of sleep.
Preventing Insomnia
- Promote good sleep habits from an early age
- Create an optimal sleep environment. Maintain a comfortable temperature, reduce noise and light, use good quality bedding, and ensure the bedroom is used only for sleep
- Manage stress and self-care. Exercise, hobbies and mindfulness can help manage stress and promote better sleep
Sleep schedules
Going to bed and waking at the same time every day will help regulate your internal body clock and achieve better sleep quality. This will train your brain to associate sleep with certain times, making it easier to fall asleep.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise will help to reduce stress, relax, and improve your overall physical health. 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day of the week should be the goal, but avoid exercising too vigorously near bedtime as this will interfere with your sleep.
Dietary choices
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol close to bedtime, as these may affect your sleep patterns. Also, add foods into your diet that promote sleep, such as foods high in tryptophan, such as turkey, nuts, or seeds and those that contain melatonin, such as tart cherries and kiwi fruit.
When to consult a healthcare provider
Consult a healthcare provider if Insomnia continues to affect your daily life, or if you have chronic Insomnia or other health conditions. They may prescribe sleeping pills for a short time.
Finding a sleep specialist or therapist
Sleep therapists can offer cognitive behavioral therapy and other medications when necessary for Insomnia. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns. Online directories or referrals from primary care can help find suitably qualified professionals.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments available for is essential to manage sleep Insomnia. Having healthy sleep habits and managing underlying factors can improve the quality of your sleep and help you regain control.
Sources
- NHS Inform – Insomnia
- Mayoclinic – Insomnia
- Clevelandclinic – Insomnia
- WebMD – Insomnia
- Sleepfoundation – Insomnia
- Hopkinsmedicine – Insomnia
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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Service Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Treated Privately for Insomnia
What does the Get Treated Privately service for Insomnia do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments for Insomnia are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe Insomnia prescribing service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed for Insomnia are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr Ihtesham Sabri. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our Insomnia prescribing service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the Insomnia consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, you can get treated privately for Insomnia worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the Insomnia treatment that you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately service card which is located as a service item on the dashboard.
Using the action button on the service card, you can select one of the following – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’. From here you can search for Insomnia.
Depending on the search type and the product/condition that you would like to get treated, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. Follow the simple steps to complete your booking. During the booking confirmation, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language and gender of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available expert clinicians who are trained to assess the medication or condition chosen. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification, SMS notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before the virtual consultation is due to start.
Depending on certain medications which require our clinicians to have your up-to-date blood pressure readings, you may be required to submit a virtual blood pressure check, using your smartphone or device. We will provide you with full instructions, when this is required.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your condition and potential treatment options for Insomnia. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide which treatment options are safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the treatment option, so that you can jointly agree on the treatment plan. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription treatment for your Insomnia which will be available in your Cart at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the Insomnia consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a referral letter was issued to your doctor, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘Documents’ section of the dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment, it will now be available in your Cart.
When you go to your Cart, you will be able to select the treatment, checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe a treatment for Insomnia?
We operate a safe prescribing service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing . Unfortunately, we do not operate a self select service where you can choose a medication and simply buy. If the clinician that sees you does not prescribe anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When your Insomnia treatment is approved, and after you have checked out and paid for your order, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in the ‘Notification Feed’ section on the dashboard.
How will my Insomnia treatment be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK. For deliveries outside of the UK, please check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times:
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your Insomnia order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
What’s included with my order?
If you are ordering a treatment for Insomnia, your order will contain your medication only.
If you are ordering weight loss injections, your order will contain:
- Your prescription of pre-filled weight loss injection pens
- Needles
- Sharps bin for safe disposal of needles (if ordered as part of the bundle)
Can I reorder my medication, if I have already been prescribed a course?
Yes. However, as a responsible prescribing service, we do not issue more than one monthly cycle of medication at a time.
This means that, if you would like to reorder, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This is important, because it allows our clinicians to keep track on the progress of your treatment plan and ensure that the medication remains safe and effective for you.
What is the earliest I can reorder my medication or treatment?
14 days after you have received your first monthly supply of medication, we will send you a notification to advise you that you are eligible to reorder your medication. To ensure that we are able to safely prescribe the Insomnia medication for the next supply, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This ensures that our clinician can check in on your treatment plan and ensure it is working as intended and continues to be safe, suitable and appropriate for you.
How do I reorder my Insomnia treatment?
When you are eligible to reorder your next Insomnia prescription, we will send you a notification reminder. This notification reminder will request that you book a consultation with a NowPatient Clinician.
You should book a suitable time and date for the consultation.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician may advise you to either
- Stop the treatment
- Stay on the current dose
- Increase the dose
If our clinician deems it safe for you to continue the medication used to treat Insomnia, the prescription will be added to your cart, from where you can checkout.
Delivery will be made in line with our delivery timescales.
As a responsible prescribing service, we will always monitor your Insomnia treatment plan to ensure that it remains safe, effective and suitable for you.
How do I reorder weight loss medication?
Our weight loss programs are built to closely monitor treatment progress and safety. Please refer to the Weight Loss Programs Service Guide that explains how you can reorder or step edit your dose.