Insomnia & Sleep Disorders

About This Condition

Chronic insomnia affects roughly 30% of adults and is associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and all-cause mortality. It is also one of the most pharmacologically overtreated conditions in medicine — benzodiazepines and Z-drugs are prescribed reflexively despite strong evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) outperforms pharmacology in long-term outcomes and carries no dependency risk. Sleep apnea is underdiagnosed in primary care and is a significant driver of metabolic disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular events, yet it is frequently missed in non-obese patients and women.

Our Approach

We perform structured sleep history and screen for sleep apnea using validated tools (STOP-BANG, Epworth Sleepiness Scale), with referral for home sleep testing or polysomnography as appropriate. For insomnia, CBT-I is our first-line approach — we provide structured protocol guidance and, when indicated, refer to trained CBT-I practitioners. Pharmacologic support, when used, is targeted and time-limited: low-dose melatonin with attention to circadian timing, magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, or — when appropriate — low-dose trazodone or doxepin. We assess cortisol patterns (AM/evening), caffeine metabolism (CYP1A2 genotype), and blue light exposure habits as modifiable drivers. Sleep quality is tracked longitudinally using wearable data (Oura, Whoop, Apple Watch) integrated into clinical decision-making.