Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD regarding my insomnia?

Certainly, you can. The healthcare professional or sleep therapist will engage in a discussion about any symptoms or indicators of insomnia you may be experiencing, along with delving into your medical history and sleep patterns.

Depending on the scenario, the healthcare provider may recommend a physical examination. Additional tests, such as a sleep study, may also be proposed to facilitate a precise diagnosis of insomnia.

Once the healthcare practitioner establishes an insomnia diagnosis, they will provide tailored suggestions for insomnia treatment that cater to your specific needs.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Absolutely, our physicians can prescribe insomnia medications through online consultations. Upon acceptance of a prescription for insomnia, you’ll have the option to retrieve it from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra cost.

 

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that presents challenges in achieving a restful night’s sleep. This may encompass difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up prematurely and struggling to return to sleep.

Two distinct types of insomnia exist: primary and secondary.

Primary insomnia refers to sleep issues not directly associated with other health conditions.

Secondary insomnia pertains to sleep problems arising from underlying health conditions.

 

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Insomnia often manifests as a symptom of an underlying issue. Even primary insomnia may result from lifestyle habits impacting your sleep.

Commonly associated symptoms or signs of insomnia include:

• Concerns about inability to sleep
• Early awakening
• Waking up multiple times during the night
• Feeling unrested after sleep
• Irritability or mood swings
• Symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• Difficulty initiating sleep at night
• Challenges with focus or attention
• Memory difficulties

 

What leads to insomnia?

Primary insomnia is frequently triggered by lifestyle factors that impact sleep. These may involve:

• Eating too close to bedtime
• Poor sleeping habits or alterations in sleep patterns
• Work schedule variations, especially among shift workers
• Environmental factors such as noise, light, or temperature
• Travel-related disruptions
• Elevated stress levels
• Traumatic events
• Changes in daily activity levels
• Consumption of alcohol
• Use of drugs
• Stimulants like coffee, tea, or nicotine

Conversely, secondary insomnia is rooted in other underlying conditions, such as:

• Specific medications
• Heartburn
• Arthritis
• Mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)
• Sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea
• Chronic pain conditions (e.g., arthritis, back problems)
• Respiratory issues (e.g., asthma, bronchitis)
• Cancer
• Endocrine problems like hyperthyroidism

Certain risk factors can elevate the likelihood of experiencing insomnia, including:

• Age over 60
• Female gender
• Rotating work schedules
• Presence of mental health or physical conditions known to induce insomnia in some individuals
• Sustained, high levels of daily life stress

 

How is insomnia diagnosed?

Before rendering an insomnia diagnosis, your healthcare provider at Laso MD will delve into the severity of your insomnia symptoms and review your medical history. They will inquire about your regular sleep habits and may conduct a physical examination.

In the case of suspected secondary insomnia, additional testing may be recommended to identify any underlying conditions contributing to your insomnia. This could involve standard testing procedures for diagnosing the suspected underlying condition.

If a clear insomnia diagnosis is elusive, your healthcare provider might recommend a sleep study, particularly if there’s a suspicion of certain sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

Upon providing a diagnosis for your insomnia, the healthcare practitioner can then tailor recommendations for insomnia treatments based on your specific needs.

 

How is insomnia treated?

Discovering effective insomnia treatments may pose a challenge, and your healthcare provider is likely to recommend natural treatment methods before turning to prescription insomnia medications.

Various natural insomnia treatments may be suggested, including:

• Sleep restriction
• Relaxation techniques
• Stimulus control therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Remaining passively awake (paradoxical intention)
• Light therapy
• Avoiding stimulants
• Adjustments in dietary habits or meal times
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol and drug use

If these lifestyle changes and therapies prove ineffective, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia or prescription insomnia medications may be considered.

However, the latter can have side effects, potential for habit formation, and increased risk, making long-term use not advisable without specific guidance from your healthcare team.

 

When to see a doctor for insomnia?

While occasional difficulty sleeping is normal, persistent or severe insomnia symptoms warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider. Chronic signs of insomnia may be indicative of underlying conditions that require treatment.

A healthcare practitioner from Laso MD can provide appropriate recommendations to identify the root cause of your insomnia.

Insomnia can significantly impact mental health and daily life, and seeking help from Laso MD allows you to receive the support needed to regain restful sleep.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD provides quick access to healthcare providers for discussions about your symptoms within minutes. Our healthcare app ensures convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, request a consultation, and we’ll promptly connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. Explore our How it Works page for more details.

Our healthcare team can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including necessary prescriptions.