May is Better Sleep Month, highlighting the importance of quality rest and how poor sleep can impact overall health. Many adults struggle with insomnia and restless nights. Sometimes sleeplessness isn’t just about stress or a busy schedule.

The Story: From Sleepless Nights to Restful Sleep

One of my favorite patients, a 42-year-old marketing executive and busy mom, was struggling with poor sleep… for years. She was frustrated and running out of options. At her intake visit it was revealed that she would toss and turn for hours, waking up exhausted and irritable. Over-the-counter sleep aids worked a little, but the grogginess and dependence on them weren’t sustainable.

We took a comprehensive approach to her sleep struggles. This was different from her previous experience with quick visits and a perscription for a pill as the solution.

See how our personalized model goes beyond the quick fix.

The Root Cause: More Than Just Stress

After a thorough evaluation and in-depth conversation, we uncovered a few key factors contributing to her insomnia:

1. Lifestyle Habits: Late-night screen time and caffeine intake were interfering with her sleep cycle.
2. Underlying Health Condition: Bloodwork revealed an undiagnosed thyroid imbalance, which can significantly impact sleep quality.
3. Medication side effects: This patient was taking 2 different types of medication (one for her asthma and on for her ADHD) that were contributing to her poor sleep.

The Solution: A Personalized Sleep Plan

Instead of simply prescribing a sleep aid, we focused on long-term solutions:

1. Lifestyle Adjustments: We guided this mom what works for her kids… routine. We created a consistent bedtime routine, reducing blue light exposure before bed, and adjusting her diet to support sleep.
2. Medical Support: Treating her thyroid condition helped stabilize her energy levels, naturally improving her ability to sleep. We adjusted her asthma and ADHD meds to avoid side effects in the evening.
3. Stress Management: With mindfulness techniques and small habit changes, we helped her get to a place of peace and unwind before bed, which led to deeper more restorative sleep.

The Results: Sleeping Better, Feeling Better

Within weeks, she noticed significant improvement—she fell asleep faster, stayed asleep longer, and woke up feeling refreshed. She finally had the energy and mental clarity to tackle her busy days without relying on excess caffeine and sheer willpower.

Struggling with Sleep? Let’s Find a Solution Together.

If you’re experiencing persistent insomnia, or daytime fatigue, it might be time to take a closer look at the underlying causes. At our Direct Primary Care practice, we offer personalized, comprehensive care to help you get to the root of your health concerns—so you can finally sleep soundly.

Ready for a Personalized Care?