Insomnia Specialist

Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists

Pulmonology & Critical Care located in Des Plaines, IL & Portage Park, Chicago, IL

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you’re not alone. Insomnia affects about 40 million Americans every year, but the sleep medicine experts at Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Specialists clinics in Chicago, Des Plaines, and Oak Park, Illinois, can help. They also treat excessive sleeping, or hypersomnia. To learn how you can establish and maintain healthy sleep habits, call or book an appointment online today.

Insomnia Q & A

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder in the United States. This disorder can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. Common insomnia symptoms include:

Trouble falling asleep at night
Waking up during the night
Waking up too early in the morning
Feeling tired after a full night’s sleep
Sleepiness during the day
Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
Depression and/or anxiety
Increased accidents or errors

People need different amounts of sleep, but about 7-8 hours per night is average. Failure to meet your personal sleep needs can have a detrimental effect on your mental focus, mood, work performance, and energy levels.

What is hypersomnia?

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder that involves prolonged nighttime sleeping and excessive sleepiness during the day. Unlike the daytime sleepiness associated with insomnia, people with hypersomnia are compelled to nap repeatedly throughout the day. These naps may occur at inappropriate times, like at work or in the middle of conversations.

Excessive sleeping can negatively affect your relationships and ability to function normally. Hypersomnia may result from another sleep disorder, like sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

How are insomnia and hypersomnia diagnosed and treated?

Insomnia and hypersomnia are complex conditions, but they’re treatable. Your provider at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists begins by carefully reviewing your symptoms, sleep habits, and medical history. They perform a physical exam and may take an in-office or at-home sleep study.

After they accurately diagnose your condition, the team at Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists develops a personalized treatment plan. Depending on your needs, treatment for insomnia or hypersomnia may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy to help you establish proper sleep habits
Prescription medications to help you sleep
Prescription medications to help you stay awake
Dietary changes, like avoiding alcohol and caffeine
Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation
Getting regular physical activity

They may also recommend changes you can make at home, like keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature and staying out of bed when you’re not sleeping.

If a lack of sleep or excessive sleep interferes with your daily life, call Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Specialists or book an appointment online today for expert care.

What we offer