Understanding Psychological Insomnia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Understanding Psychological Insomnia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Psychological insomnia is a specific type of insomnia that is caused by psychological factors. In this article, we will discuss the source and causes of psychological insomnia, its symptoms, and how it can affect life, physical and emotional health, and relationships. We will also discuss treatment options, including acupuncture, and where to seek help.

What is Psychological Insomnia?

Psychological insomnia, also known as psychophysiological insomnia, is a type of insomnia that is caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Unlike other types of insomnia, psychological insomnia is not caused by a medical condition or external factors such as noise or light. It is a condition that affects the mind and body, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Source and Causes of Psychological Insomnia

The source of psychological insomnia is usually emotional or psychological distress, which can trigger a cycle of sleep deprivation and anxiety. Common causes of psychological insomnia include:

1. Stress: Stressful events, such as a job loss, a relationship breakdown, or financial difficulties, can cause psychological distress and lead to insomnia.
2. Anxiety: Generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all lead to chronic insomnia.
3. Depression: People with depression often experience insomnia, which can worsen their symptoms and make it harder for them to recover.
4. Trauma: Traumatic events, such as abuse, violence, or a natural disaster, can cause insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Symptoms of Psychological Insomnia

The symptoms of psychological insomnia are similar to those of other types of insomnia. They include:

1. Difficulty falling asleep: People with psychological insomnia often have trouble falling asleep at night, even when they feel tired.
2. Difficulty staying asleep: They may also wake up frequently during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.
3. Early morning awakening: People with psychological insomnia may wake up too early in the morning and find it hard to get back to sleep.
4. Daytime sleepiness: They may feel tired and sleepy during the day, which can affect their performance at work or school.
5. Irritability: Sleep deprivation can make people more irritable and moody, affecting their relationships with others.

How Psychological Insomnia Affects Life, Physical and Emotional Health, and Relationships

Psychological insomnia can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their physical and emotional health and relationships. Sleep deprivation can lead to:

1. Chronic fatigue: Lack of sleep can cause chronic fatigue, making it hard to focus, think clearly, or perform daily tasks.
2. Mood disorders: Sleep deprivation can worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, making it harder to manage these conditions.
3. Health problems: Sleep deprivation is linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
4. Relationship problems: Sleep deprivation can make people more irritable, moody, and less able to communicate effectively, leading to relationship problems.

Where to Seek Help

If you are experiencing symptoms of psychological insomnia, it is important to seek help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional who can help you identify the underlying causes of your insomnia and develop a treatment plan. Treatment options for psychological insomnia include:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to insomnia.
2. Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
3. Sleep hygiene: Good sleep hygiene practices, such as establishing a regular sleep routine and avoiding caffeine and alcohol
4. before bed, can help improve sleep quality.
5. Medications: Your doctor may recommend medications such as benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics to help you sleep. However, these medications should only be used under the guidance of a doctor, as they can be habit-forming and have side effects.

Acupuncture and Psychological Insomnia

Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture may be effective in treating psychological insomnia. Here are five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have investigated the use of acupuncture for psychological insomnia:

1. In a 2016 RCT published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers found that acupuncture combined with sleep hygiene education was more effective than sleep hygiene education alone in improving sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
2. A 2015 RCT published in the Journal of Sleep Disorders & Therapy found that acupuncture was effective in improving sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia.
3. A 2014 RCT published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture was effective in reducing sleep disturbances and improving quality of life in patients with insomnia.
4. In a 2012 RCT published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that acupuncture was more effective than placebo acupuncture in improving sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia.
5. A 2010 RCT published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that acupuncture was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving sleep quality in patients with anxiety-related insomnia.

Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy for psychological insomnia. The specific acupuncture points used for this condition may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and constitution, and should be determined by a licensed acupuncturist after a thorough evaluation. However, some commonly used points include the following:

1. HT7 (Heart 7) – Located on the inside of the wrist, this point is believed to help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
2. PC6 (Pericardium 6) – Also located on the inside of the wrist, this point is often used to help relieve anxiety and promote sleep.
3. Yintang (Third Eye Point) – Located between the eyebrows, this point is believed to help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
4. GV20 (Governor Vessel 20) – Located at the top of the head, this point is believed to help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
5. SP6 (Spleen 6) – Located on the inside of the leg, this point is often used to help regulate the body’s energy and promote sleep.

The duration of acupuncture treatment for psychological insomnia may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. Generally, a course of treatment may consist of 6-12 sessions, with weekly or bi-weekly sessions.

Acupuncture can be used in collaboration with other treatments for psychological insomnia, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Acupuncture may help to enhance the effects of these treatments and may also have additional benefits, such as reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist using sterile needles. However, like any medical treatment, there may be some risks and potential side effects, such as bruising or soreness at the needle site. Long-term use of acupuncture for psychological insomnia has not been extensively studied, so it is unclear whether there are any potential risks associated with long-term use. It is always important to discuss any concerns with a licensed healthcare provider.

*While these studies suggest that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for psychological insomnia, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and determine the optimal treatment protocol.

Government and Private Organizations Providing Assistance

There are several government and private organizations in Australia that provide free assistance and information to help people living with psychological insomnia. Some of these organizations include:

1. Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue is a national mental health organization that provides information and support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. They offer a 24/7 phone and online chat service, as well as resources for managing sleep disorders. Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Phone: 1300 22 4636

2. Sleep Health Foundation: The Sleep Health Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources on sleep health and disorders. They offer online resources, including fact sheets and sleep guides, as well as a directory of sleep clinics and specialists. Website: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/ Phone: (02) 8814 8655

3. Headspace: Headspace is a national youth mental health foundation that provides support and resources for young people aged 12-25. They offer online and face-to-face counseling services, as well as resources for managing sleep disorders. Website: https://headspace.org.au/ Phone: 1800 650 890

4. Lifeline: Lifeline is a national crisis support and suicide prevention service that provides confidential support for people experiencing a personal crisis. They offer a 24/7 phone and online chat service, as well as resources for managing sleep disorders. Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Phone: 13 11 14

Government and Private Organizations Providing Assistance in Melbourne

1. Alfred Mental and Addiction Health. Provides a wide range of services for people living with mental health issues, including sleep disorders. Website: https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/services/mental-and-addiction-health Phone: (03) 9076 9888

2. Melbourne Sleep Disorders Centre. Provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders, including psychological insomnia. Website: https://www.melbournesleep.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9504 8188

3. Melbourne Sleep Disorders Clinic. Provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders, including psychological insomnia. Website: https://www.melbournesleep.com/ Phone: (03) 9428 8688

4. Sleep Matters. Provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders, including psychological insomnia. Website: https://www.sleepmatters.com.au/ Phone: (03) 9945 1515

5. Sleep Health Foundation. Provides information and resources on sleep health and disorders, including psychological insomnia. Website: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/ Phone: (02) 8814 8655

In conclusion, psychological insomnia is a type of insomnia that is caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma. It can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their physical and emotional health and relationships. Treatment options for psychological insomnia include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene, and medication. Acupuncture may also be effective in treating psychological insomnia, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. If you are experiencing symptoms of psychological insomnia, it is important to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional. There are also several government and private organizations in Australia that provide free assistance and information to help people living with psychological insomnia.