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“I can't sleep”
A short answer
Ongoing trouble sleeping is exhausting, and it's treatable. Insomnia often goes hand in hand with anxiety, depression and other conditions, and each can make the other worse. We look at the whole picture, so the plan treats what's keeping you up, not just the sleepless nights.
What we'd like you to know
Insomnia means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting good-quality sleep, even when you have the chance to. When it happens at least three nights a week for three months or more, it's called chronic insomnia.
Sleep and mental health are closely linked. Depression is a frequent cause of insomnia, and trouble falling asleep is common with anxiety. Bipolar disorder and PTSD can disturb sleep too, and each can make the other worse. Some medical problems, such as sleep apnea, can also cause poor sleep and daytime tiredness, and may need a sleep study.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a first choice for chronic insomnia. Medication is sometimes part of the plan, and your provider will explain the options and the reasons behind each.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
Worry at bedtime is a common sign that anxiety is part of the picture. Treating the anxiety often helps sleep too.
If anxiety is running your lifeSleep changes are a common part of depression. Sorting out which came first helps choose the right plan.
Depression care at ANKThese can be signs of sleep apnea. Please talk with your primary care provider about it, since it may need a sleep study.
Bring a list of what you've tried. CBT-I helps many people, and your provider can look at the bigger picture with you.
What CBT-I is and why it worksThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What helps your first visit
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Sleep
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Poor sleep and mood problems can feed each other.
Fact. Anxiety and depression can disturb sleep, and poor sleep can make their symptoms worse.
2A nightcap helps you sleep better.
Myth. Drinking alcohol close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep or cause you to wake up during the night.
3Therapy can treat insomnia, not just medication.
Fact. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a first choice for chronic insomnia.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We look at your sleep, mood, anxiety, health, habits and medications, to see what's keeping you up.
3Your plan
We talk through the options, which may include treating an underlying condition, sleep habits, CBT-I and medication when it fits, and you decide together with your provider.
4Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly to see what's helping and adjust carefully. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NHLBI: Insomnia
- NHLBI: Insomnia treatment
- AASM (sleepeducation.org): Insomnia
- VA National Center for PTSD: Sleep problems and PTSD
- NHLBI: Sleep apnea symptoms
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 26, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Other starting points