Colorado Springs doctor sees increase in insomnia, sleep troubles during pandemic
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - If you are tossing and turning at night you are not alone, insomnia and sleep troubles have been on the rise during the pandemic.
Dr. Robert Glidewell at the Insomnia Clinic in Colorado Springs has seen firsthand the recent rise in insomnia.
"There are definitely more people coming in seeking help at the Insomnia Clinic," Dr. Glidewell said.
Dr. Glidewell attributes stress surrounding COVID-19 and a change in people's schedules as a main cause for sleep disruption.
He said the rise in patients came a few months following lockdowns and restrictions, and he sees the sleepless trend continuing for years to come.
"What ends up happening is once you have trouble sleeping over a long period of time, often enough over a long period of time there's a point where the sleep problem takes on a life of its own. Once that happens, unless we do something to really retrain the brain how to sleep again, you're just going to keep having trouble sleeping even once the stress of the pandemic is gone," Dr. Glidewell said.
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, have a consistent schedule, monitor the news and information you take in, and make sure your bedroom is a "screen-free" zone, meaning no phone, tablets, or TVs in the bedroom.
Seven to nine hours of sleep a night is suggested, and Dr. Glidewell says you should never go below six hours a night because sleep is just too crucial to your overall health.
Dr. Glidewell also suggests seeking help if your lack of sleep starts to impact your day-to-day health. If it affects your mood, memory, and work performance, it may be time to check in with your doctor.
