What is Insomnia ?
Insomnia is simply the inability to fall asleep easily or not being able to stay asleep. Sleep difficulties that last for longer than a month and affect daytime functioning are generally labeled insomnia. Nearly 50% of adult Americans report that they have had insomnia at some time. Women are 40% more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Insomnia has many different causes both physical and psychological.
Some of the physical causes of insomnia are chronic pain, restless leg syndrome, medications, hormonal imbalances, and environmental issues. Chronic pain and restless leg syndrome are only two of the disorders that can cause insomnia. Disorders such as these usually need medication to treat the insomnia if the underlying cause cannot
How is Insomnia Diagnosed
Diagnosing insomnia usually starts with your family doctor, the doctor then decides if a specialist is needed. The doctor will ask about recent changes in your life, medications and alcohol use, how long you have been having difficulty sleeping, and how it is affecting your daylight hours. A full medical exam will assist in finding any medical causes for the insomnia.
Life changes such as marriage, a new job or promotion, and a residential move can all affect sleep. Newlyweds often have trouble sleeping. They may be unused to sleeping close to another person or they may be too happy to go to sleep. A new job or a promotion can cause stress even if the change is a good
Non-Drug Treatments for Insomnia
Non-pharmaceutical remedies have been found to be as effective as medications for insomnia. Pharmaceuticals are normally only for short term use whereas non-pharmaceuticals such as cognitive therapies, which have lasting effects without side-effects, and natural cures can be used for any type of insomnia. Some of cognitive therapies are stimulus control, meditation, and paradoxical intention.
Stimulus control therapy has do do with controlling the sleep environment and is often referred to as sleep hygiene. With this therapy the bed is used for sleep only. If you are unable to sleep leave the bed room and perform a sedentary activity such as watching TV or meditating, meditation has been recommended as a sleep aid for over 2500 years. Set the alarm
OTC Medications for Insomnia
OTC or over the counter treatments, meaning they do not require a prescription from the doctor have one of two sleep inducing substances, diphenydramine or doxylamine. Both are antihistamines commonly used to treat allergies, such as hayfever, and nausea caused by motion sickness. The effects that you experience from allergy medications and motion sickness medications will be the same effects you can expect from these medications. The only other OTC options for insomnia are herbal remedies and herbal compounds.
Consult with your doctor before taking an over the counter sleep aid, there could be possible drug interactions or health issues that would preclude you from taking these medications. Do not take herbal remedies for sleep and over the counter sleep
Prescription Treatment for Insomnia
Sleep medications are prescribed to over 95% of patients who visit their doctor regarding insomnia. Side-effects from prescription sleep aids can include fatigue, automotive accidents caused by sleep-driving, and falls. These prescriptions can be habit forming and may cause withdrawal symptoms if not discontinued under a doctor’s care. The four main categories of prescription medications for insomnia are Benzodiazepines, Non-benzodiazepines, Melatonin receptor agonists, and Tricyclic anti-depressants.
Benzodiazepines are long-acting tranquilizers developed in the 1960′s and run a high risk of dependency. Morning grogginess is a common side-effect of all long-acting sleep aids. Benzodiazepines are not for long term use as an addiction can be formed in a matter of weeks and the body tends to quickly build up a tolerance
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