Insomnia can significantly impact our daily lives, affecting our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, this common sleep disorder is often linked to underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Finding an effective insomnia treatment in Atlanta is crucial for those struggling with both their mental health and sleep.
At Peachstate Psychiatric Services, Dr. Dwight A. Owens offers a range of medical and therapeutic options to address insomnia and its underlying causes. Through his expertise in psychiatric techniques, patients can finally find relief from their insomnia symptoms and achieve better overall mental health.
Below, we will explore the science behind insomnia and how it is closely tied to our psychological well-being.=
The Brain’s Sleep-Wake Cycle
Neurotransmitters in the brain play a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. When neurotransmitter activity is disrupted due to mental health disorders, it can lead to imbalances that interfere with normal sleep patterns. These disturbances can result in difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
Brain chemistry changes can alter how the brain signals sleepiness or alertness. Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can trigger these changes, making it challenging to establish a stable sleep routine. Effective insomnia treatment in Atlanta often involves addressing these chemical disruptions to restore healthy sleep cycles.
Stress Hormones and Sleep Disruption
Stress hormones like cortisol play a significant role in increasing alertness and anxiety levels. When the body experiences stress, it releases cortisol, which can interfere with the ability to relax and fall asleep. High cortisol levels during the night can prevent deep sleep, leading to frequent awakenings and a disrupted sleep cycle.
Cortisol levels typically follow a daily rhythm, peaking in the morning and decreasing throughout the day. However, elevated stress or anxiety can disturb this rhythm, making it hard to maintain consistent sleep. By addressing the underlying mental health issues that contribute to increased stress and anxiety, individuals can improve their cortisol levels and achieve better sleep.
Anxiety and the Fight-or-Flight Response
Anxiety triggers the fight-or-flight response, causing the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This response is designed to prepare us for potential danger, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or excessive, it can keep the body in a heightened state of arousal that interferes with restful sleep.
The constant activation of the fight-or-flight response keeps the body on high alert, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms such as muscle tension and racing thoughts that make it challenging to relax. With the help of our insomnia treatment in Atlanta, patients can learn how to manage anxiety and its effects on the body to achieve more peaceful sleep.
Ready to Try Our Insomnia Treatment in Atlanta?
If you are struggling with insomnia and its impact on your mental health, Peachstate Psychiatric Services can provide the support and treatments you need. Contact us now to learn more about our insomnia treatment in Atlanta.
