Is Insomnia Treatable?
Is Insomnia Treatable? (Spoiler: Yes, and You’re Not Doomed!)
Lying in bed, wide awake, wondering why your ceiling fan suddenly sounds like a freight train? Yep, troubled sleep and insomnia is a real party crasher. The more exhausted you feel, the harder it is to fall asleep—and that just adds fuel to the frustrating fire.
But here's the good news: insomnia is treatable. So before you start identifying as a nocturnal creature, let’s talk about how you can finally get some real rest.
Tired of Counting Sheep and Still Awake?
At Ayomi Therapy LCSW, PC, we offer warm, personalized therapy to help you sleep well—without needing to run a sleep lab out of your bedroom. Our one-on-one teletherapy is available for individuals, families, couples, and teens. We even offer evening sessions (up to 9 PM) in English and Spanish—because your insomnia doesn’t care about business hours, and neither do we.
Want to chat? Visit us at www.ayomitherapy.com.
Why Do People Get Insomnia?
Let’s break it down—insomnia doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, and for all sorts of reasons:
• Stress (big surprise there)
• Noise (hello, car alarms and creaky radiators)
• Screens (your phone is not your friend at bedtime)
• Health issues (like allergies or chronic pain)
And for women? Hormonal changes during pregnancy, periods, or menopause can turn sleep into a myth. Add juggling work, kids, school, or life in general, and it’s no wonder sleep feels like a luxury.
How Do I Know If I Have Insomnia?
Take the mini quiz:
• Do you wake up in the middle of the night like it's your job?
• Do you wake up groggy and annoyed at your alarm clock (and maybe life)?
• Has this been going on for 3+ nights a week for a month?
If you nodded “yes,” you might have insomnia. Some people track their sleep with journals or smartwatches. Others go full-on science mode with a sleep study, where experts read your brainwaves while you snooze (or try to snooze).
“I Can’t Sleep, Even When I’m Exhausted!”
This is one of the most common (and frustrating) insomnia complaints. Your body’s wiped, your brain’s doing backflips, and no, thinking about your to-do list for the 50th time won’t help.
Things like stress, late-night scrolling, or just being human can leave you tired but wired. The fix? Try calming bedtime rituals—like stretching, reading, or pretending your bed is a cloud. Seriously, it helps.
The Insomnia Cycle (AKA The Sleepless Hamster Wheel)
Here’s how it goes: You don’t sleep, so you’re tired. Being tired stresses you out. Stress keeps you awake. Repeat. Sound familiar?
Short-term insomnia (like after a breakup, finals, or a caffeine bender) often passes. But chronic insomnia sticks around and may cause things like anxiety, memory fog, or falling asleep in Zoom meetings. The earlier you get help, the easier it is to stop the cycle.
Is Insomnia Inherited?
Short answer: Not exactly.
You don’t “catch” insomnia from your parents like freckles or dad jokes, but if they have anxiety or trouble sleeping, you might be more sensitive to stress or schedule changes.
Luckily, genes don’t write your bedtime story. With the right tools (and a little help), you can sleep like a pro—even if insomnia runs in the family.
How to Beat Insomnia (Without Sacrificing Your Sanity)
Here’s your no-BS toolkit for better sleep and how to get rid of insomnia:
Fix Your Sleep Routine:
• Stick to the same bedtime, even on weekends (yes, we’re serious).
• Kick screens out of your bedroom. Instagram will still be there tomorrow.
• Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet. Think “sleep cave.”
Short-Term Sleep Aids:
Doctors sometimes prescribe medication—but they’re not a long-term solution. Always ask about side effects. (No one wants weird dreams about tax audits.)
Relaxation Hacks:
Try deep breathing. (Inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8.) Or listen to calming music, meditate, or do absolutely nothing. Doing nothing is wildly underrated.
Lifestyle Tweaks to Sleep Like a Champ
Small changes = big wins. Try these:
• Skip caffeine after lunch. (Yes, even the “just one Diet Coke.”)
• Get moving during the day. Walk, dance, chase your dog—whatever works.
• Soak up sunlight. Morning sun tells your body, “Hey, it’s daytime!” That helps you feel sleepy later.
When to Call in the Pros
If your sleep struggles have lasted more than a month, or you’re feeling sad, unfocused, or just done, don’t tough it out. Sleep helplines and professionals are there to help. They can answer your questions, suggest remedies, or point you toward resources.
Final Answer: Yes, Insomnia Is Treatable!
You don’t have to live in a fog of sleep-deprived frustration. Whether it’s therapy, lifestyle tweaks, or guidance from a pro, there’s a solution that fits you.
You deserve to sleep. Not just because it feels good—but because it helps you show up for yourself, your dreams, and your everyday life.
So take the first step. Your pillow is waiting.