Insomnia Treatment: Which Medical Specialty Should You Visit?

If you're struggling with insomnia, visiting a neurology department is a good starting point. Insomnia typically presents in several ways: difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or waking up too early in the morning. These symptoms can vary in duration and are often categorized based on how long they last.

Types of Insomnia and Their Characteristics

Transient Insomnia

Transient insomnia refers to short-term sleep difficulties that last for about one to two days. This type of insomnia is usually triggered by specific events or stressors, such as a noisy environment, jet lag, or temporary anxiety.

Short-Term Insomnia

Short-term insomnia lasts for approximately one to three weeks. It is often linked to recent increases in stress levels, emotional tension, anxiety, or disruptions in your sleep schedule—like those experienced during travel across time zones.

Chronic Insomnia

Chronic insomnia persists for more than a month and can significantly impact your quality of life. While neurology departments can manage this condition, it's also highly recommended to consult with a mental health or psychiatric specialist for a more comprehensive approach.

Why Mental Health Evaluation Matters

Long-term insomnia may be closely connected to underlying emotional or psychological issues such as anxiety or depression. A visit to a psychiatric or psychological clinic can provide access to specialized tools like anxiety and depression assessment scales. These evaluations help identify any emotional imbalances that might be contributing to your sleep problems.

Simply relying on medications designed to treat insomnia symptoms may not yield the best results if the root cause is emotional or psychological. A combined approach—addressing both neurological and mental health aspects— often leads to more effective and lasting treatment outcomes.