Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS, is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses a shifting magnetic field to create an electric current at particular parts of the brain via electromagnetic induction. It is a primary form of treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions at TMS Institute of Arizona—and it can also be a helpful tool in treating insomnia. When undergoing TMS, a stimulator (also known as an electric pulse generator) is attached to a magnetic coil, which is then connected to the scalp. When an electric current in the coil creates a magnetic field, that field leads to another inductance of an inverted electric charge inside the brain.
TMS is a popular tool because it is quick, non-invasive, and (most importantly for many people) not a medication. In many cases, those interested in TMS either want to stop taking medications, reduce the number of medications, or avoid pharmaceuticals. Plus, adverse reactions to TMS are very rare and it is an FDA-approved treatment in the United States. Unlike transcranial electrical stimulation, TMS is able to stimulate cortical tissue without pain. Routine TMS treatments have been shown to help with a myriad of diseases and disorders, particularly within mental health and neurology.
Help at the TMS Institute for Mental Health and More
The majority of patients at the TMS Institute are interested in treating depression and/or addiction, but there are also patients seeking help for anxiety, PTSD, and even insomnia. In many cases, TMS can help you achieve long-term remission, reduce or even eliminate medication dependency, and enjoy a happier, healthier life. Every person is unique, which means every treatment plan should be, too. The gold standard in treating insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy, which is why The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona has a clinical psychologist on staff who specializes in sleep disorders (CBT-I). Oftentimes, should CBT not be wholly effective, medication may be prescribed for chronic insomnia. If you have not been completely successful with CBT-1 and/or want to minimize medication dependency, TMS might be for you.
A number of recent articles and studies have explored the connection between TMS and insomnia, including a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis in Sleep Journal. The researchers noted recent interest in treating insomnia with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). They set out to evaluate how safe and effective the treatment is for insomnia, “either as monotherapy or as a complementary strategy.” They analyzed 36 trials from 28 studies, which was comprised of 2,357 adults, about half male and half female and a mean age of 48.8 years old. Ultimately, they found that TMS “may be a safe and effective option for insomnia.” Of course, more studies are needed, but what is already established is that TMS is relatively safe, accessible, and if you struggle with insomnia it may be the tool you’ve been seeking.
The Co-Morbidities of Sleep and Mental Health
The TMS Institute is a leading facility where physicians have undertaken advanced training at Duke University Medical Center in order to complete necessary TMS certification. The clinic is home to top Scottsdale physicians specializing in both psychiatric care and sleep medicine. The connection between sleep and mental health is well-established and can be easily gauged even by those with rare sleep issues. After all, who isn’t sleepy and foggy-headed, forgetful, or cranky when jet-lagged or after a rare late night out?
Sleep medicine, just like every other specialty, does not exist in a silo. There are usually co-morbidities between various sleep disorders and other issues, from physical to mental. There is much discussion on links between sleep and physical health, such as obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but sometimes the connection between sleep disorders and mental health is neglected. That is no longer the case when you have both the Insomnia and Sleep Institute and the TMS Institute serving your holistic well-being needs.
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions have a strong association with insomnia and other sleep disorders. If a person is anxious and/or depressed, they often struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, and getting enough quality sleep. Sometimes CBT-I isn’t enough, and oftentimes a patient understandably wants to avoid a lifetime commitment to medications. If you have been trying to find the right treatment for your insomnia and/or mental health concerns, it is time to learn more about TMS. Discover more about the TMS Institute and connect to leading specialists in Arizona today.
