Insomnia Specialist

Insomnia FAQ

While you’re up all night unable to sleep, chances are 60 million other Americans are pacing the floor right along with you.

The experts at Sugarloaf Wellness Center know just how precious sleep is, and they want to help you achieve more than just a good night’s rest. David W. Kunz, MD, believes in the healing powers of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy because of the way it’s helped so many of his patients. To explore your insomnia treatment options in Lawrenceville, Georgia, schedule an appointment online or over the phone.

What’s insomnia?

Insomnia refers to on ongoing difficulty falling and staying asleep. Many people experience acute insomnia during stressful life events while others suffer from chronic insomnia and have habitual trouble sleeping.

The lack of sleep creates several undesirable side effects, including:

• Fatigue during the day
• Lowered energy levels
• Mood changes (i.e., anxiety, depression, and irritability)
• Difficulty concentrating and performing work tasks

What causes insomnia?

Various medical and psychological factors can lead to insomnia. For some people, insomnia results from stress, depression, and anxiety while others have medical conditions that affect their sleep.

Physical causes of insomnia include

• Sleep apnea
• Pain
• Allergies and asthma
• Acid reflux
• Restless leg syndrome

Psychological factors that lead to insomnia include

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD

Hormones can also play a significant role in insomnia. If your endocrine system produces too much or too little testosterone, estrogen, thyroid hormone, cortisol, or human growth hormone, you might find sleep to be elusive.

Hyperthyroidism and menopause, for example, create the perfect circumstances for insomnia. Progesterone is a sleep-promoting hormone that decreases during menopause, making it hard for women to sleep. Excess thyroid hormone overexcites your system and causes sleep disturbances.

Why is sleep so important?

Sleep is a restorative process essential for every aspect of your health. Most people report proper sleep increases their quality of life.

Lost sleep, on the other hand, leads to mood disorders and dangerous accidents. Lack of sleep lowers your reaction times when you’re working or driving and decreases your focus at work or school.

Lack of sleep increases your risk for specific medical conditions too, such as:

• Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

What medical treatments are available for insomnia?

Hormone changes during menopause, aging, and other life events can create sleeping difficulties. If Dr. Kunz discovers a hormonal imbalance after performing his signature evaluation, he can help promote proper sleep with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

Dr. Kunz injects slow-release BioTE™ pellets into your system to deliver a steady stream of hormones. As you build proper endocrine balance, you should notice improved sleep habits.

If your sleep troubles bother you, contact Sugarloaf Wellness Center online or over the phone for an appointment.

How often should I work out?

The CDC recommends the following cardio and strength training guidelines to maintain optimal health:

Cardiovascular exercise

You should engage in moderate aerobic activity that keeps your heart rate up for 150 minutes per week to reap the health benefits. You can also perform 75 minutes of vigorous cardio per week for the same effect.

You can break your cardio up into 10-minute increments throughout the day to make it more doable. As long as you sustain the effort for at least 10 minutes, you can enjoy the same benefits.

Strength training

It’s essential to perform strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least twice per week. You can use weights or resistance tubes to work your legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and arms.

You can earn even more health benefits if you work out more often. For example, increasing your moderate cardio to 300 minutes per week promotes additional body benefits.

What are the benefits of physical fitness?

Regular physical activity benefits both your mental and physical health in innumerable ways. Numerous studies show exercise provides you with:

• More energy
• Improved sleep
• Weight control
• Improved mood
• Decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, some cancers, and arthritis
• Improved sex life

How can you help me with fitness?

At Sugarloaf Wellness Center, you have access to a physician and three personal trainers to help you reach your fitness goals. The wellness center provides you with all the tools you need to get fit, a built-in support team, and accountability.

Dr. Kunz is available to help guide you with any medical variables that might influence your physical fitness. He provides solutions for both internal and aesthetic issues.

Certified personal trainer Suzanne Luna can help you navigate any injuries or physical limitations you have. She works with your personal trainer to accommodate your needs.

Your personal trainer helps make your fitness journey more enjoyable by offering social support and helping you discover activities you enjoy. With the on-site workout studio, you have all the tools you need to get fit under one roof.

If you’re interested in the medically-supervised fitness programs at Sugarloaf Wellness Center, schedule a consultation online or over the phone.