Insomnia Specialist in San Diego, CA

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It’s not just about the number of hours a person sleeps each night but the quality of that sleep as well.

Dr. Kiran Dintyala, an experienced professional in managing and treating insomnia, explains that the disorder manifests primarily in two forms:

• Transient insomnia: This short-term insomnia lasts only a few days or weeks, typically triggered by stress, anxiety, or significant life events. Although it tends to resolve without treatment, it can still be disruptive and may require medical intervention.
• Chronic insomnia: This form of insomnia persists for at least a month or longer. Despite attempts to improve sleep habits, chronic insomnia continues to affect the individual. Chronic insomnia can be caused by long-term stress, depression, anxiety, chronic medical conditions, certain medications, and lifestyle habits.

Symptoms of insomnia can include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, prolonged periods of wakefulness, waking up too early, non-refreshing sleep upon waking, daytime fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, and difficulty paying attention.

A comprehensive approach to diagnosing insomnia, considering various potential triggers, including medical conditions such as chronic pain, endocrine disorders, neurological conditions, and certain medications. Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, stress, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits are also taken into account.

Dr. Dintyala employs both medical and non-medical therapies to treat insomnia. Medical treatments may include prescription medications, over-the-counter sleep aids, and sleep medications. Non-medical treatments, often the first line of treatment, include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation exercises, sleep restriction, and improving sleep hygiene.

We believe that it’s critical to address the underlying causes of insomnia, whether they’re medical, psychological, or lifestyle-related, to effectively treat this sleep disorder.

It is characterized by persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep. Various factors, both medical and behavioral, can cause this condition, and it’s crucial to understand these triggers for developing impactful treatment strategies.

Medical Factors:

Dr. Dintyala notes that numerous medical conditions can contribute to insomnia. These include chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and gastrointestinal problems, commonly seen in patients with chronic illnesses like heart failure, cancer, and diabetes. Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy can also interrupt sleep regulation and induce insomnia.

Hormonal imbalances are another medical factor that can lead to insomnia, particularly in women. Dr. Dintyala pays special attention to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disorders, as these can disrupt regular sleep patterns.

Behavioral Triggers:

Dr. Dintyala emphasizes that heightened stress or anxiety levels can keep your mind active at night, making it difficult to sleep. Chronic stress and traumatic experiences can increase cortisol levels and inhibit sleep.

Poor sleep habits, such as irregular sleep schedules or engaging in stimulating activities before bedtime, can disrupt your body’s internal clock, leading to insomnia. Other circadian rhythm disturbances, like shift work or jet lag, are also considered. Lifestyle factors like excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can interfere with sleep quality.

Additional Factors:

Age is a factor in insomnia, as it becomes more common with age due to changes in sleep physiology and co-occurring medical conditions. Gender also plays a role, with women more likely to experience insomnia than men. Genetics can also influence insomnia risk, with a family history of the condition increasing the likelihood of its development.

If you find yourself spending more than 30 minutes tossing and turning in bed before falling asleep, waking up multiple times throughout the night, or waking up too early in the morning, you could be dealing with insomnia. Even if you manage to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep, you might still wake up feeling unrested and fatigued.

It can lead to irritability, depression, and anxiety. Your cognitive performance may also be impaired, with difficulties in paying attention, focusing on tasks, or remembering things.

In severe cases, insomnia can lead to excessive worrying about not being able to sleep, thereby worsening the condition. The lack of restful sleep can also impair your coordination and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of errors or accidents.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help. He can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your insomnia. As a physician with a Master’s in Public Health, Dr. Dintyala is well-equipped to diagnose and treat such underlying conditions, helping you achieve better sleep and improved overall health.

One of the cornerstones of Dr. Kiran Dintyala’s practice is educating patients about the physiological stress response. When we experience stress, our bodies go into a ‘fight or flight’ mode that can hinder us, especially when trying to unwind and rest. It can create a state of hyper-arousal, making it challenging to fall asleep or maintain a deep, restful sleep. Elevated cortisol levels at night can interfere with sleep by suppressing melatonin, a hormone that promotes drowsiness. Prolonged stress can also disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, the natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulties falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night.

Dr. Dintyala’s expertise also extends to anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotions can lead to hyper-vigilance, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Individuals with anxiety may experience intrusive thoughts and nightmares, which can further disrupt sleep.

Stress and anxiety can create a vicious cycle of insomnia. This long-term pattern of difficulty sleeping might require professional intervention to treat. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, decision-making, and emotional regulation, potentially leading to an increase in stress and anxiety.

He offers various strategies and treatments to manage stress conditions. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), exercise, yoga, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. He may also prescribe medication in some cases.

Regain control of your nights and achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep with the guidance of Dr. Kiran Dintyala, MD, MPH. Our personalized insomnia treatments are designed to improve your overall well-being and help you wake up refreshed. Visit us at Dr. Kiran Dintyala, Concierge, and Functional Medicine for compassionate care and effective solutions tailored to your unique needs. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 888 Prospect Street, Suite 203, San Diego, CA 92037. We serve clients from La Jolla CA, Delmar CA, Solana Beach CA, Carmel Valley CA, Encinitas CA, and surrounding areas.