- Dennis CokeA remedy is not too far away.
THE medical treatment of insomnia is a short-term one used when behavioural approaches have failed. You should begin with the lowest possible effective dose. Medication should only be used in combination with good sleep practices.
Hypnotics and antidepressants
Prescription medication that promotes sleep are called hypnotics. These are the most effective sleep aids. Prescription should depend on medical condition, use of alcohol or other drugs, age, and the need to function when awakened during the sleep period. If the cause of the sleep problem is depression, then an anti-depressive may be the best solution (note that some antidepressants cause insomnia. Also, some may worsen restless leg syndrome - the involuntary problem of jerking legs during sleep.) Hypnotics will shorten the time it takes to sleep, increase total sleep time, decrease the number of awakenings and improves the quality of sleep.
Behaviour change
Behavioural approaches include limiting the amount of waking time spent in bed to increasing the mental connection between sleep and bed.
Do you find yourself doing 'everything' in bed (eating, writing, telephoning). Use your bed only for sleep and sex. Get in bed only when you are tired. Get out of bed if you do not fall asleep in 15 minutes.
Do the following, as well:
Exercise regularly, about six hours before you want to sleep.Avoid nappingGo to sleep and wake at the same time everydaySave your worries for day time (write down problems in a worry book, then close the book until morning)Select a relaxing bedtime ritual, like a hot bath or listening to calming music. Source: The National Sleep Foundation (United States)
