What should I do if neurasthenia causes severe insomnia?

Patients with neurasthenia commonly experience symptoms such as fatigue, impaired memory, headache, dizziness, and insomnia. Among these, insomnia caused by neurasthenia is especially distressing. In addition to difficulty falling asleep, patients often suffer from frequent awakenings and vivid or excessive dreaming after falling asleep. So, what should be done if insomnia resulting from neurasthenia becomes severe?

What to Do When Insomnia Caused by Neurasthenia Is Severe

Patients with neurasthenia typically exhibit sleep disturbances—including insomnia, excessive dreaming, and frequent awakenings. If a patient is diagnosed with severe insomnia attributable to neurasthenia, the fundamental treatment principle is to address and resolve the underlying neurasthenia itself. A comprehensive treatment approach is recommended, incorporating general lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapy. For general management, patients are advised to engage in moderate physical exercise, listen to soothing music, and maintain a balanced diet. Reasonably scheduling work and study activities helps regulate autonomic nervous system function, promotes emotional relaxation, alleviates stress, and thereby improves both neurasthenia and associated insomnia. When necessary, medications may be prescribed under medical supervision to reduce anxiety and tension and alleviate sleep disturbances. However, these medications should not be used long-term, as prolonged use may lead to drug dependence.

Psychotherapy involves guidance and emotional support from family members and friends, helping patients feel cared for within their family or social environment—thereby boosting self-confidence and improving both neurasthenia and insomnia. Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying maladaptive behaviors that contribute to insomnia, including sleep restriction and stimulus control techniques. Avoiding such behaviors can lead to noticeable improvement in insomnia symptoms.

Patients are advised to avoid using smartphones in bed before sleep, staying up late, or spending excessive time lying in bed during the day. We hope this information proves helpful.