Insomnia test

Your doctor may test for insomnia by asking you to complete a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns. Doctors can also administer sleep disorder tests, including insomnia screening questionnaires, mental health exams, a sleep study or polysomnogram, and a sleep-wake pattern assessment called actigraphy.

Insomnia is usually not an isolated physical or mental illness. Insomnia is typically a symptom of another condition such as sleep apnea, depression, or anxiety.

In fact, sleep and mental health are closely related. Poor sleep quality affects our mood by disrupting the circadian rhythm and throwing off our normal sleep cycle; it can impact our ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and ultimately impact our mental health.

Those struggling with depression symptoms often struggle with sleep, whether it be difficulty getting enough or not feeling well-rested (which can lead to daytime sleepiness). People with anxiety tend to experience increased sleep difficulty, which can intensify anxiety symptoms during waking hours. Poor sleep quality can lead to a perpetual cycle that worsens mental health over time.

There are many treatments available for insomnia, including:

• Improving sleep habits
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Relaxation techniques
• Physical exercise
• Lifestyle changes
• Light therapy
• Medication
• Herbal remedies

Insomnia can go away or become more manageable with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. By identifying and treating the underlying causes of insomnia, you can find relief.

If you struggle with severe or chronic insomnia, taking an online sleep disorder test can help you identify symptoms within yourself. Share these insights with a professional and collaborate on a specialized treatment plan.

Sleep disorders (such as chronic insomnia) can arise for several reasons, including excessive stress, poor sleep hygiene, or mental health conditions. Causes of insomnia can range from environmental issues, atypical sleep schedules, or biological factors that contribute to problematic sleep.

Sleep disorders like insomnia are challenging conditions that can impact a person's quality of life. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

• Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
• Difficulty maintaining restful sleep or getting back to sleep when waking up in the middle of the night
• Experiencing regular sleep disturbances like nightmares, night terrors, or breathing problems
• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

If you frequently find yourself asking "do I have insomnia," our clinically-backed test acts as a helpful first step to treating your sleep problems, but only a licensed professional can make an official diagnosis. Share your concerns to help them correctly diagnose and develop a treatment plan for you.

Online therapy is an effective treatment for insomnia, especially if the causes of your insomnia are the result of stress or another mental health condition. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to improve chronic sleep issues. A therapist trained in CBT can work with you to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts that are getting in the way of obtaining quality sleep. A therapist will also suggest behavioral techniques to support you in developing good sleep habits.

If you continue to struggle with sleep problems, online cognitive behavioral therapy can help change your life for the better. As you explore your options, know that Talkspace is committed to making mental health care accessible by offering online therapy and psychiatry plans that take insurance.