Understanding Insomnia

What is Insomnia?    

Insomnia can be defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. Therefore, people with insomnia are unable to get the amount of sleep that is needed to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

Symptoms of Insomnia

1.      Waking up frequently during the night

2.      Relying on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep

3.      Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired

4.      Daytime drowsiness, irritability or fatigue

5.      Trouble getting back to sleep when awakened

6.      Difficulty concentrating during the day

Causes of Insomnia

·         Psychological problems that can cause insomnia: depression, anxiety, chronic stress, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder. 

·         Medications that can cause insomnia: antidepressants; cold and flu medications that contain alcohol; pain relievers that contain caffeine, high blood pressure medications.

·         Medical problems that can cause insomnia: asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, acid reflux, kidney disease, cancer, chronic pain.

·         Sleep disorders that can cause insomnia: sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome.

Treatment for Insomnia

Treating Insomnia WITHOUT Medication

1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Support your biological clock by going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, including weekends
2.  Avoid naps. Napping during the day can make it more difficult to sleep at night
3.  Avoid stimulating activity and stressful situations before bedtime. This includes vigorous exercise; big discussions or arguments; and TV, computer, or video game use.
4. Do not read from a backlit device such as an iPad or smartphone. 
5. Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before bed. Avoid drinking alcohol in the evening; while alcohol can make you feel sleepy, it interferes with the quality of your sleep. Quit smoking or avoid it at night, as nicotine is a stimulant

Treating Insomnia WITH Medication

When you are unable to sleep at night it is quite tempting to turn to sleep aids for relief. However, no sleeping pill will cure the underlying cause of your insomnia. Therefore before taking any sleep aid or medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Dietary/Herbal supplements for insomnia

1. Melatonin
2. Chamomile Tea

Over the counter (OTC) sleep aids

1. Unisom Sleepgels
2. Sleep Aid
3. Zzz Quil
4. Advil PM

Prescription sleeping pills for Insomnia     

While prescription sleep medications can provide temporary relief, it is best to use medication only as a last option. First, try changing your sleep habits, your daily routine, and your attitudes about sleep.