A 25-year-old software developer complains of difficulty falling asleep. She reports spending hours in bed on her phone before she eventually falls asleep. What could be a potential cause of her insomnia, and what steps can be taken to address it?
This patient's insomnia may be related to poor sleep hygiene, specifically the use of electronic devices like her phone just before bed. The light from these devices can interfere with the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. The recommended steps would be to improve sleep hygiene, including limiting screen time before bed, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and creating a sleep-friendly environment.