Understanding Insomnia - Treatment

What Is the Treatment for Insomnia?

Transient insomnia, which may occur during travel, usually disappears when you return to a regular sleep pattern. Short-term insomnia, which may be caused by a disruption or family illness or by job stress, may be treated with natural sleep aids or, in some cases, with medication. Chronic insomnia, which disrupts sleep for extended periods of time, may call for a thorough physical examination, alteration of some lifestyle habits, medical treatment and, perhaps, psychotherapy to identify a hidden cause.

For circadian rhythm disorders, most people will readjust after a few days on a new schedule. If you have to sleep during the day, keep the bedroom as quiet and dark as possible. If insomnia is due to a physical condition such as diabetes or menopause, treating that underlying condition should correct the insomnia.

Persistent, chronic insomnia is something you should discuss with your doctor to rule out an underlying problem and possibly try an appropriate medication. If you suspect that your sleeplessness is caused by ongoing depression, anxiety, or stress, your doctor may suggest seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may be referred to a sleep evaluation center, where sleep specialists can conduct physical and psychological tests and monitor your sleep patterns to evaluate your situation in depth.

Sleep Medications

Each year about 5 million people use sleep medications, but doctors no longer prescribe them as freely as they once did. Barbiturates, in particular, are dangerous because of their addictive power, the danger of overdose, their interference with the normal stages of sleep, and their toxicity when combined with alcohol. If you take barbiturates, do so only for a day or two at a time and only as prescribed for your particular condition.

Benzodiazepines such as triazolam and temazepam are safer than barbiturates, but even they can cause dependence. They can also be fatal if you take them with alcohol or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines gradually lose their effectiveness and may even worsen your insomnia as you develop a tolerance to them. Another caution: It's difficult to stop using benzodiazepines, because abrupt withdrawal may cause distressing symptoms, including renewed insomnia.

Although there may be some question about it, some newer anti-insomnia drugs, such as Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata, and Rozerem, are not thought to be physically addicting.

Relaxation

Many poor sleepers simply need help relaxing. If you're a habitual insomniac and trying to get to sleep just makes you more anxious and awake, try these alternative choices to help reduce your worry about sleep while relaxing your body and mind. If the root cause of insomnia is stress, any treatment must address the underlying problem of stress in your life.

Breathing exercises can promote relaxation. Here's a routine you can do anywhere, anytime:

1. Exhale completely through your mouth.
2. Inhale through your nose to a count of 4.
3. Hold your breath for a count of 7.
4. Exhale through your mouth for a count of 8.
5. Repeat the cycle 3 times.