Sleep Disorder Treatment in Texas - DFW, Houston, Austin

How common is chronic insomnia?

The Sleep Foundation estimates that about 10% of adults have chronic insomnia (difficulty sleeping at least 3 nights per week for 3 or more months). Short-term insomnia affects about 30% of adults at any given time. Chronic insomnia is significantly more common in women, older adults, and people with depression or anxiety.

What is CBT-I and does it work?

CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is a structured program that addresses the thoughts, behaviors, and habits that maintain insomnia. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends CBT-I as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, with response rates of 70-80%. It produces more durable results than sleep medication. Lyte Psychiatry can refer patients to CBT-I specialists.

What medications are used for insomnia?

First-line medication options include low-dose doxepin (FDA-approved for insomnia), trazodone (commonly used off-label), and mirtazapine. Orexin antagonists (suvorexant, lemborexant) are newer FDA-approved options. We generally avoid long-term benzodiazepine or Z-drug use due to tolerance and dependence risk. AASM guidelines inform our prescribing.

Can insomnia be treated via telehealth in Texas?

Yes. Insomnia and sleep disorder evaluations are well-suited for telehealth. Lyte Psychiatry provides HIPAA-compliant telehealth to all Texas and New Mexico residents with same-week appointments.

Does insurance cover sleep disorder treatment?

Yes. Insomnia and sleep disorder treatment is covered by all major insurance plans when there is a clinical diagnosis. Lyte Psychiatry accepts BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, Ambetter, and Magellan. Most patients pay $0-$30 per visit. See all insurance plans we accept →

Is it safe to take sleep medication long-term?

Most sleep medications are recommended for short-term use (days to weeks) rather than long-term management. Tolerance develops to most sleep medications over time. CBT-I produces more durable improvement. If you have been taking sleep medication long-term, Lyte Psychiatry can help you evaluate whether to continue, taper, or switch approaches.

Can sleep problems cause depression?

Yes. NIMH notes that insomnia is both a risk factor for and a symptom of depression. Chronic sleep deprivation significantly increases the risk of developing major depressive disorder. Conversely, depression almost always disrupts sleep. Treating one without addressing the other frequently leads to incomplete recovery from both.

What is sleep hygiene and is it actually helpful?

Sleep hygiene refers to behavioral practices that support healthy sleep: consistent sleep and wake times, avoiding caffeine after noon, limiting screen use before bed, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, and avoiding lying in bed while awake for long periods. The Sleep Foundation recommends sleep hygiene as part of a comprehensive insomnia treatment approach, though for chronic insomnia, sleep hygiene alone is usually not sufficient without CBT-I.