Chronic
Insomnia
Chronic Insomnia and Brain-Based Evaluation
Chronic insomnia can affect both mental and physical health. When sleep disturbances persist over time, they may influence mood regulation, concentration, stress response, and overall well-being.
Research has identified associations between sleep disruption and conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Because sleep and emotional regulation are closely connected, persistent insomnia can contribute to a cycle that is difficult to break.
The causes of chronic insomnia vary. Lifestyle factors, stress, medical conditions, and changes in brain regulation may all play a role. In some cases, insomnia can both contribute to and result from other health concerns.
At Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, we offer individualized, non-invasive treatment approaches for select patients experiencing chronic insomnia.
One approach used at our clinic is MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), an EEG-guided method that incorporates diagnostic tools such as quantitative EEG and EKG data to help inform treatment planning. MeRT uses neuromodulation to influence patterns of brain activity that may be associated with sleep regulation.
Treatment decisions are based on clinical evaluation and diagnostic findings. Outcomes vary by individual.
The equipment used is FDA-cleared. rTMS is FDA-approved for Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and is used off-label for other applications, including sleep-related concerns.
Conditions That May Contribute to Chronic Insomnia
Chronic insomnia can be influenced by many factors. In some cases, sleep disruption is a primary concern. In others, it may occur alongside medical, neurological, or emotional conditions.
Conditions commonly associated with persistent sleep disruption include:
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Circadian rhythm disruption (shift work, travel, lifestyle factors)
- Post-concussive syndrome
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Restless leg syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic conditions
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Hypertension and high cholesterol
Sleep disruption may also contribute to difficulties with stress tolerance, cognition, and memory.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep plays an important role in emotional regulation, cognitive function, immune health, and metabolic balance. Research has shown that chronic sleep disruption is associated with changes in stress hormone regulation, inflammatory response, and circadian rhythm stability.
Short-term sleep disruption may affect concentration, mood, and resilience to stress. Over time, persistent sleep disturbance has been associated with increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.
Because sleep and mental health are closely interconnected, improving sleep patterns may be an important part of a broader health strategy.
Sleep Cycles and Brain Function
Throughout the night, the brain moves through structured sleep cycles approximately every 90–110 minutes. These cycles include lighter sleep, deeper slow-wave sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Slow-wave sleep is associated with physical restoration and hormonal regulation. REM sleep plays a role in memory processing and emotional regulation.
When sleep is frequently interrupted, the brain may not complete these cycles efficiently, which can contribute to daytime fatigue, irritability, and cognitive changes.
Brain-Based Evaluation for Chronic Insomnia
When insomnia persists despite lifestyle adjustments or conventional interventions, further evaluation may be appropriate.
At Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, we offer individualized, non-invasive treatment approaches for select patients experiencing chronic insomnia.
One approach used at our clinic is MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), an EEG-guided method that incorporates quantitative EEG (qEEG) and EKG data to inform treatment planning. By evaluating patterns of brain activity associated with sleep regulation and emotional processing, clinicians determine whether an individualized neuromodulation protocol may be appropriate.
Treatment is delivered in an outpatient setting and is medication-free. Outcomes vary by individual.
The equipment used is FDA-cleared. rTMS is FDA-approved for Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and is used off-label for other applications, including sleep-related concerns.
If insomnia occurs alongside other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, those concerns are evaluated separately as part of a comprehensive assessment.
The MeRT Process
MeRT evolved from a technology called rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). However, MeRT is much more customized for each patient based on their brain scans and symptoms.
Studies have shown altered brain wave oscillations in patients suffering from conditions such as Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and more. The MeRT treatment protocol uses a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function.
Click through these simple 5-Steps in the horizontal menu below…
- Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
- Initial Analysis
- Assessment Period
- Full Treatment Program
- Final Testing
Our New Patient Coordinator is here to help
Call us and talk with our New Patient Coordinator. She will take the time to answer any questions you have as explain things. You can discuss your specific circumstances and she can explain how it all works.
This consultation is free of charge and there are no obligations to move forward with any further steps.
If you would like to take the next steps to see if you or your loved one may benefit from MeRT, she can schedule a qEEG (brain scan) and a consultation to discuss the results with our clinician.
Call (949) 418-1108
The qEEG and Consultation
If you are interested in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you, we will initially schedule two appointments, both of which last about 45 minutes.
This simply involves a qEEG (quantitative EEG or brain scan), followed by a consultation with our clinician a few days later to see your results before making any decisions about treatment or proceeding with anything further.
For the initial analysis, you will come in for a comprehensive testing appointment. We will gather your new patient paperwork, and then our chief neuro technician will perform a qEEG and EKG to enable us to identify any dysfunction or communication problems in your brain.
Your second appointment usually runs about 45 minutes. During this time, you will meet with one of our clinician s, Kayleigh Prowse or Sheila Stephens, for your consultation. She will discuss your qEEG results, answer any questions you may have and discuss your applicable treatment plan. Dr. Julie Kim, our Medical Director, oversees all treatment for each patient.
Should you decide to proceed with treatment, we will schedule your assessment period.
Two Weeks of MeRT followed by new testing
The assessment period of treatment lasts two weeks. This assessment period will help you — and us — determine how you are responding to treatment.
You will have your initial qEEG/EKG and then attend treatment sessions for two weeks. The first week will be Monday through Friday, and the second week, Monday through Thursday, nine sessions in total, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress and note any changes occurring in your brain.
A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. You will sit in a chair while the neuro-technician administers the treatment near the scalp via a hand-held magnet. We deliver gentle magnetic impulses for six to eight seconds each minute. You may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable.
Continuing Treatment
Once the assessment period is complete, we will schedule the subsequent two-week treatment periods. Because each treatment period lasts for two weeks, you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area for each 2-week treatment period.
The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will often show if you are responding. You may also start to experience changes in the way you are feeling during this time. For some, it takes longer before changes are more obvious. We highly advise a total of six to eight weeks of treatment (which includes the assessment period) for optimal and long-lasting results.
Since each brain is unique, the protocol will be different for each patient as it is based on specific qEEG/EKG data from your brain, and the specific condition being treated. Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime, though some people prefer occasional follow-up treatment as needed. But each person is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.
Review of Changes and Improvements
An additional qEEG is performed at the end of treatment to assess and take stock of the benefits and improvements that have occurred as a result of the full treatment protocol.
Please note that results and improvements are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed. Plus, the results of therapy can vary per individual. In general, the longer the length of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes remain.
Insurance and Coverage
When insomnia persists despite lifestyle adjustments or conventional interventions, further evaluation may be appropriate.
At Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, we offer individualized, non-invasive treatment approaches for select patients experiencing chronic insomnia.
One approach used at our clinic is MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), an EEG-guided method that incorporates quantitative EEG (qEEG) and EKG data to inform treatment planning. By evaluating patterns of brain activity associated with sleep regulation and emotional processing, clinicians determine whether an individualized neuromodulation protocol may be appropriate.
Treatment is delivered in an outpatient setting and is medication-free. Outcomes vary by individual.
The equipment used is FDA-cleared. rTMS is FDA-approved for Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Use of neuromodulation for insomnia or other sleep-related concerns is considered off-label.
If insomnia occurs alongside conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, those concerns are evaluated as part of a comprehensive assessment. Insurance coverage may depend on diagnosis and individual policy details. Our New Patient Coordinator can help review your specific situation.
Contact Our New Patient
Coordinator for more Information
It’s normal for patients and their families affected by brain disorders to feel uncertain about treatment options and what is best. MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function, reclaim their lives, and get a whole new lease on life.
Our goal is to help guide you through the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not MeRT is the right treatment for you or your child. Our clinicians and technicians are passionate about helping you to heal.
Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help you specifically. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and put your mind at ease. She can also assist in getting you scheduled with the clinic should you decide to move forward with treatment.
Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More
(949) 418-1108
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