Understanding Insomnia - Treatment

What Is the Treatment for Insomnia?

Transient insomnia and short-term insomnia, which may occur during travel, usually disappears when you return to a regular sleep pattern. They may also be caused by a disruption or family illness or by job stress, which can 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 can help 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. It is most important to treat any underlying problem that is producing insomnia symptoms. Just treating insomnia symptoms without dealing with the main cause will not be helpful.

If you have ongoing problems such as depression, anxiety, or stress, your doctor may suggest seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Talk to your doctor about any drugs or medications that may be contributing to insomnia symptoms.

Besides addressing any underlying conditions or medication side effects, treatment also includes nonmedical therapy (such as sleep hygiene) and medications.

Sleep Medications

Benzodiazepine sedatives such as Halcion, Restoril, ProSom, Dalmane, and Ativan and non-benzodiazepine sedatives such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata are drugs that can help induce sleep, but may be addictive with extended use. They can be dangerous if you take them with alcohol or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. They can cause morning sleepiness, although side effects are generally less severe with the non-benzodiazepines. In December 2008, the FDA approved a prescription oral spray called Zolpimist, which contains Ambien's active ingredient, for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Antidepressant drugs may be used in people with depression to also help with sleep. They are not approved for the treatment of insomnia. These may cause daytime sleepiness or other side effects.

Rozerem is an insomnia medication that works differently than the other sedative medications. It is less likely to cause morning sleepiness or be addictive.

Over-the-counter sleep drugs usually contain an antihistamine. Antihistamines are often used for allergies, but have a side effect of drowsiness. These medications may cause daytime sleepiness and dry mouth among other side effects.

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.