Insomnia and Mental Health: When to See a Psychiatrist

Short answer: if trouble sleeping lasts more than a few weeks, affects your days or comes with low mood or anxiety, it is worth a psychiatric evaluation.

Why sleep and mood are linked

Anxiety and depression disrupt sleep, and weeks of poor sleep make both worse. Insomnia can also be a sign of bipolar disorder, trauma, medication side effects or a medical issue like sleep apnea.

Treatment options

• CBT for insomnia (CBT-I): the first-line treatment, with lasting results

• Treating the underlying condition, such as anxiety or depression

• Careful medication use, usually short-term and closely monitored

Simple steps to start tonight

• Keep the same wake time every day

• Get out of bed if you cannot sleep after about 20 minutes

• Limit caffeine after midday and alcohol near bedtime

Learn more about sleep and insomnia care at Psych Nashua.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. Psych Nashua is an outpatient psychiatry practice at 215 South Broadway, Unit 129, Salem, NH (603-600-8330).