Insomnia is characterized by a consistent pattern of difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, which results in difficulty in in daily functioning (i.e. family, work, school). Insomnia may be the result of an organic condition or a psychological condition such as anxiety. Consulting with a psychologist may be important to determine underlying etiology. Treatment options usually involve specialized individual psychotherapy, adjustments to one’s sleeping environment, and medication.
Sleep terror disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes in which a person abruptly awakens from sleep with observable signs of intense fear (i.e. rapid breathing, screaming, increased heart rate). Individual’s with this condition generally do not respond when others try to comfort them during these episodes and are never able to recall the episode or frightening dreams once they awake. Treatment generally includes individual psychotherapy designed to monitor and make adjustments the individual’s lifestyle and sleep schedule as well as address any potential underlying anxiety.
