Insomnia:
Restoring Restful Sleep Naturally
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep. It can significantly impact your energy levels, mood, cognitive function, and overall health. At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, Dr. Tiffani Fries offers a functional medicine approach to address the root causes of insomnia and help you achieve restful, restorative sleep.
Understanding Insomnia
Insomnia can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Stress:
Stress is a major contributor to insomnia.
Anxiety and depression:
Mental health conditions can significantly disrupt sleep.
Poor sleep habits:
Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, and an uncomfortable sleep environment.
Caffeine and alcohol:
Consuming these substances too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep.
Certain medications:
Some medications can cause insomnia as a side effect.
Underlying medical conditions:
Conditions like chronic pain, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and thyroid problems can disrupt sleep.
Hormonal imbalances:
Fluctuations in hormones, such as during perimenopause or menopause, can contribute to insomnia.
Common Symptoms of Insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty concentrating
The Salt Lake Functional Medicine Approach to Insomnia
Dr. Fries, DC takes a comprehensive approach to address insomnia, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that are disrupting your sleep. This may involve:
Detailed Assessment:
A thorough evaluation of your health history, sleep patterns, lifestyle, and potential contributing factors.
Advanced Testing:
In some cases, testing may be recommended to assess hormone levels (e.g., cortisol, melatonin), nutrient status, or identify underlying sleep disorders.
Personalized Support Plans:
Based on your individual needs, Dr. Fries, DC will develop a tailored plan that may include:
Sleep Hygiene Optimization:
Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, optimizing your sleep environment (dark, quiet, cool), and limiting screen time before bed.
Stress Management Techniques:
Incorporating stress-reduction practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
Dietary Modifications:
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and eating a balanced diet that supports sleep.
Targeted Supplementation:
Using specific supplements to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, such as magnesium, melatonin, or calming herbs (e.g., valerian root, chamomile).
Addressing Underlying Imbalances:
If hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, or other health conditions are contributing to your insomnia, Dr. Fries, DC will work with you to address these issues.
Restoring Restful Sleep
At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, we’re committed to helping you achieve restful, restorative sleep. By addressing the root causes of your insomnia and providing you with the tools and support you need, we believe you can experience significant improvements in your sleep quality and overall well-being.
