Doctors Answers (3)
Your 19 year old son with chronic insomnia needs to see a sleep specialist who can outline a plan for treatment. This will likely include an investigation of any obvious causes for sleeplessness, possibly medication and a referral to a cognitive behavioral therapist. This form of therapy works with the patient to learn techniques to induce sleep. These techniques may include biofeedback, imaging therapy and relaxation.
He will need a sleep study to see what his brain activity is like during the night time.
It sounds like a chronic insomnia or circadian rhythm disorder may have developed here with your son. An evaluation with a sleep specialist to monitor his sleep over several days and possible institue therapy is suggested. A medical evaluation to assess for any physiologic or psychiatric problems would also be to his benefit. Cessation of caffeine, tobacco or alcohol use if applicable is also suggested.