Insomnia Specialist
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The Sleep Lab
Jamil S. Sulieman, MD, FAASM
Sleep Medicine located in Kaneohe, HI & Honolulu, HI
It’s estimated that 33-50% of American adults have insomnia, a disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep. At The Sleep Lab, sleep specialist Jamil Sulieman, MD, offers complete care for people with insomnia, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). To make an appointment, call the office in Kaneohe, Hawaii, or click the online booking feature today.
Insomnia Q&A
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Everyone experiences insomnia at one time or another, but if your symptoms last for weeks or even months, it can interfere with your ability to focus at work and your quality of life, in general.
What are the types of insomnia?
The Sleep Lab treats both types of insomnia:
Primary insomnia
Primary insomnia occurs suddenly with no warning. Typically, it responds to at-home treatments, like regular exercise, stress management, and eating a healthy diet.
Secondary insomnia
Secondary insomnia occurs because of an underlying health problem. Common causes of secondary insomnia include chronic pain, asthma, and arthritis.
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
Symptoms of insomnia include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty focusing
- Grumpiness
- Fatigue
- Problems with concentration or memory
If you have insomnia, you might also find yourself falling asleep at work, while driving, or during recreational activities.
How is insomnia diagnosed?
To diagnose insomnia, your provider at The Sleep Lab reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if any activities like drinking caffeine or exercising make them worse.
Next, they conduct a physical exam and order lab tests to rule out underlying health problems that might affect your ability to sleep soundly. If the tests come back normal, your provider might have you keep a sleep diary for several weeks. A sleep diary is a notebook that monitors your energy levels and quality of sleep.
If you regularly wake up during the night or have trouble falling asleep, you might benefit from an overnight sleep study. During a sleep study, your provider at The Sleep Lab monitors your heart and respiratory rate while you sleep. This information can help determine what’s keeping you up.
How is insomnia treated?
Treatment of insomnia depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Often, healthy lifestyle changes are enough to make a difference. For example, The Sleep Lab might recommend:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Keeping your stress levels under control
- Avoiding screens (like TVs, smartphones, or computers) in bed
If healthy lifestyle changes don’t make a significant difference, The Sleep Lab might prescribe medication to help you doze off.
You might also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT teaches you how to relax before going to sleep. It educates you on the importance of good sleep hygiene and teaches you skills to manage intrusive thoughts and problematic emotions.
To learn more about the treatment options for insomnia, make an appointment at The Sleep Lab by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
