Insomnia care, from the cause
to a real night's sleep.
Chronic insomnia, sleep-onset trouble, racing thoughts at night, sleep disrupted by anxiety or depression. Evidence-based psychiatric evaluation and treatment — in person or by telehealth.
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What is insomnia?
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, affecting roughly 1 in 3 adults at some point. Chronic insomnia means trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early at least 3 nights a week for 3+ months — and it's affecting your daytime functioning.
From a psychiatric standpoint, insomnia is rarely "just" insomnia. It's often the first sign of an underlying issue — depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance withdrawal, or a medication side effect — that needs to be addressed for sleep to actually improve.
Chasing sleep with sleeping pills alone often makes things worse over time. Effective treatment means understanding why you can't sleep and addressing the cause.
Common symptoms
- OnsetTrouble falling asleep (more than 30 minutes most nights)
- MaintenanceWaking up multiple times during the night
- Early wakingWaking too early and unable to get back to sleep
- Racing mindRacing thoughts or rumination at bedtime
- DaytimeDaytime fatigue, brain fog, or mood impact from poor sleep
- Sleep anxietyWorry about sleep itself — "sleep anxiety"
- ToleranceReliance on sleep aids that aren't working as well as they used to
If symptoms are interfering with daily life — or if you've felt this way for more than two weeks — it's worth a conversation with a psychiatrist.
How insomnia is treated.
Effective treatment usually combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle factors. We work with you to find the right combination.
Underlying cause treatment
Treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD often resolves insomnia. We screen for these at the first visit.
CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) referrals
First-line, gold-standard non-medication treatment. We refer to vetted CBT-I therapists or recommend evidence-based apps.
Targeted sleep medications
Trazodone, mirtazapine, doxepin, or newer agents like suvorexant — chosen based on whether the issue is sleep onset, maintenance, or both.
Stopping problem medications
Many psychiatric medications can disrupt sleep. We review your full medication list and adjust where possible.
Sleep apnea screening
Many "insomniacs" actually have undiagnosed sleep apnea. We refer for sleep studies when indicated.
Care that takes time.
We're cautious with benzodiazepines and z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta) for chronic insomnia — they often work short-term but can cause dependence and rebound insomnia when stopped. We use them strategically when appropriate, not as long-term solutions.
The right approach depends on the cause. If you can't sleep because you're depressed, antidepressants that improve sleep (like mirtazapine) often solve both problems. If you're anxious at bedtime, treating anxiety treats sleep. If you have ADHD, evening rumination often improves with stimulant adjustment.
Initial evaluations are 60–90 minutes — we ask about sleep in detail (timing, environment, caffeine, alcohol, screens, exercise, stress) before reaching for medication.
SMS appointment reminders are optional. You may opt in during booking — consent is not required to schedule or receive care. Msg & data rates may apply for opted-in numbers. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. See our SMS Consent & Terms.

In person or by telehealth.
Four California clinics for in-person care, plus TelePsychiatry for patients anywhere in the state.
Pleasant Hill
91 Gregory Lane, Suite 20
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 · Contra Costa County
Vallejo
532 Oregon Street
Vallejo, CA 94590 · Solano County
Fremont
39001 Sundale Drive
Fremont, CA 94538 · Alameda County
TelePsychiatry
Secure video psychiatric care from home — across all 58 California counties.
All 58 California counties Explore TelePsychiatryCommon questions.
A better night's sleep starts with the cause.
Universal Medical Group is accepting new patients across California — in person and by TelePsychiatry. Let's find out why you can't sleep, and address it.
SMS appointment reminders are optional. You may opt in during booking — consent is not required to schedule or receive care. Msg & data rates may apply for opted-in numbers. Reply STOP to opt out anytime. See our SMS Consent & Terms.