Identifying The Cause And Choosing The Right Treatment For Insomnia
Christopher Cooney asked:
With all of the medical advances that have been made over the past hundred years insomnia is still an issue with 10 to 15 percent of all adults and closer to 25 percent of adults who are 65 and older. Other known facts about insomnia include: there are more instances of insomnia in women than men, many people with insomnia also have depression, and insomnia often is worse during the holiday season.
Nobody likes to have to deal with sleep difficulties. They wear you down to the point that everything else becomes a fuzzy blur. The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with insomnia causes and introduce an approach to insomnia treatment that may assist you with your insomnia.
The causes of insomnia vary from person to person but all of the reasons have a main theme behind them, stress levels. As we age, our health often turns for the worst, this can cause stress and worry. During the holidays, we often think of family or friends we miss, our schedules become hectic and we run into deadlines at work as well as with our personal shopping. All of these things increase our stress levels. College students complain of insomnia around semester finals. As women age, their hormone levels change and they experience insomnia. All of these can be caused by stress.
Stress is not the only cause of insomnia. Other causes include; new surroundings, schedule disruptions, noises, dietary changes, low iron levels, disease, and even extreme temperatures. When you start to see a pattern of insomnia take notes of what you have been doing and you will probably be able to identify a pattern change that is causing your insomnia.
After you have discovered your cause, you still need to treat insomnia. Treatment can be as simple as opening a window, turning on a fan, adding or taking away a pillow or even sticking to a schedule. Whatever treatment you choose, for it to be effective, it must address the underlying cause of insomnia. This is why you should keep a sleep journal. A sleep journal will help you to track changes in patterns that you may not have noticed on your own.
Once you have identified the cause and chosen a treatment it may take a couple weeks for your sleep pattern to get back to normal. If you have had a long term problem with insomnia it may take you longer to get a routine set. Use your journal to keep track of changes that you have made and how they effected your sleep patterns. Stick with a schedule for at least a week, and preferably two weeks, before you decide it isn’t working and move on to another change.
Your doctor can help you to find any medical reasons that may contribute to sleepless nights. If you have had insomnia for longer than two weeks, you should discuss any changes in your medical health with a medical professional. Insomnia affects all your health, please take care of this problem.
With all of the medical advances that have been made over the past hundred years insomnia is still an issue with 10 to 15 percent of all adults and closer to 25 percent of adults who are 65 and older. Other known facts about insomnia include: there are more instances of insomnia in women than men, many people with insomnia also have depression, and insomnia often is worse during the holiday season.
Nobody likes to have to deal with sleep difficulties. They wear you down to the point that everything else becomes a fuzzy blur. The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with insomnia causes and introduce an approach to insomnia treatment that may assist you with your insomnia.
The causes of insomnia vary from person to person but all of the reasons have a main theme behind them, stress levels. As we age, our health often turns for the worst, this can cause stress and worry. During the holidays, we often think of family or friends we miss, our schedules become hectic and we run into deadlines at work as well as with our personal shopping. All of these things increase our stress levels. College students complain of insomnia around semester finals. As women age, their hormone levels change and they experience insomnia. All of these can be caused by stress.
Stress is not the only cause of insomnia. Other causes include; new surroundings, schedule disruptions, noises, dietary changes, low iron levels, disease, and even extreme temperatures. When you start to see a pattern of insomnia take notes of what you have been doing and you will probably be able to identify a pattern change that is causing your insomnia.
After you have discovered your cause, you still need to treat insomnia. Treatment can be as simple as opening a window, turning on a fan, adding or taking away a pillow or even sticking to a schedule. Whatever treatment you choose, for it to be effective, it must address the underlying cause of insomnia. This is why you should keep a sleep journal. A sleep journal will help you to track changes in patterns that you may not have noticed on your own.
Once you have identified the cause and chosen a treatment it may take a couple weeks for your sleep pattern to get back to normal. If you have had a long term problem with insomnia it may take you longer to get a routine set. Use your journal to keep track of changes that you have made and how they effected your sleep patterns. Stick with a schedule for at least a week, and preferably two weeks, before you decide it isn’t working and move on to another change.
Your doctor can help you to find any medical reasons that may contribute to sleepless nights. If you have had insomnia for longer than two weeks, you should discuss any changes in your medical health with a medical professional. Insomnia affects all your health, please take care of this problem.
How Light Sleepers Treat Insomnia: Sleep Aids, Rozerem
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Phase Syndrome
Mark Smith asked:
For light sleepers, insomnia can be an annoying problem. The barking dog outside. The ticking of the alarm clock. Even the sound of your partner shifting in the bed can disturb your Zs.
If you’re tired of awakening at every little sound, maybe it’s time you tried some natural sleep techniques coupled with a non-addictive sleep aid such as Rozerem. Although being a light sleeper is annoying, there’s no reason you can’t ease your insomnia with a few sleep-enhancing tricks.
Insomnia Overview
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which the patient either has trouble falling asleep or cannot remain asleep for an extended period of time. Although most people have experienced a sleepless night or two during their lifetime, often it’s connected to a specific stress-related event such as the loss of a loved one or a job related anxiety. Doctors refer to patients in this category as temporary insomniacs. The insomnia symptoms will usually disappear when the underlying stress is resolved.
Patients with chronic insomnia are those who have battled sleeplessness for a period of six months or longer. In these insomniacs, doctors may have a difficult time pinpointing the exact cause of the condition.
Left untreated, chronic insomnia can lead to other serious problems such as depression. Due to fatigue, people with chronic insomnia may also experience a total lack of motivation or enthusiasm. As the body becomes worn down, insomnia sufferers have trouble concentrating. Performing daily routine tasks can be difficult. They may even undergo behavior changes.
Although sleep aids can help patients achieve better rest, chronic insomniacs can become addicted to certain prescription sleep aids. While they may be sleeping longer hours than before, their bodies can experience a number of unpleasant side effects related to the long-term use of sleep aids.
Today a greater number of people suffer from insomnia than ever before. Did you know that before the invention of electricity, the average American slept around nine hours a night? Only a small fraction of the current population acquires this much sleep on a regular basis. In fact, our current society might view individuals who sleep nine hours as lazy or unproductive.
How Your Work Schedule Can Aggravate Insomnia
In order to function properly, our bodies must be in tune with their internal clock or circadian rhythm. Most folks acknowledge they feel more productive after a restful night’s sleep. But for patients with insomnia, getting enough sleep and feeling refreshed is a rare occurrence.
In today’s hectic workplace, an increasing number of employees are being forced to toil during hours that conflict with the body’s natural sleep schedule. Insomnia sufferers who work afternoon or night shifts have an additional burden to overcome. These light sleepers must deal with sunlight disturbances as well as noise issues. For them, falling asleep and staying asleep may seem next to impossible.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective natural techniques that can help insomnia patients relieve their condition. You may wish to try these natural methods first before seeking relief from prescription sleep aids like Rozerem. These helpful methods can even lessen your long-term dependence on sleep aids.
Natural Methods to Help Light Sleepers Combat Insomnia
Before attempting to treat insomnia with natural sleep aids or methods, you may wish to consult with your physician first. Neurologists who specialize in sleep disorders are highly qualified to assist you in determining the cause of your insomnia. Patients who can first identify the reasons for their insomnia are more likely to have a successful outcome.
Helpful Tips for Light Sleepers
Keep a sleep diary that includes the following:
total hours slept each night,
number of awakenings during the night,
approximate amount of time needed to fall asleep.
Over time you can identify any specific patterns or events that may be contributing to your insomnia.
Try to go to bed around the same time each night. This will help your body regulate its sleep schedule. If you simply cannot fall asleep, you may have to reduce your sleep time until your body becomes fatigued and sleep is inevitable.
Earplugs are an inexpensive way for light sleepers, especially travelers, to combat insomnia. If you’re fed up sleeping with your head tucked under the pillow, this tip may be just the cure you need.
Although noise is the enemy, many light sleepers can tolerate a consistent noise such as a fan, air conditioner, etc. During the summertime, this is the perfect way for insomniacs to drown out disturbances such as automobiles, televisions, or loud neighbors.
Soothing classical background music is a great way to eliminate other noises while relaxing your mind and body. Try listening to some of your favorite music in order to beat insomnia.
Watch your diet. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, set a specific cutoff time for your last cup of java. Caffeine aggravates insomnia and can increase your anxiety level.
Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime. Digesting all that food is hard work that can keep your system active and awake for hours.
Natural Herbs and Supplements Can Lessen Insomnia
Natural herbs are a great way to fight insomnia. Many of these natural sleep aids are also inexpensive to purchase. Like all drugs, you should consult with your doctor or a qualified herbalist before attempting treatment.
Most natural herbs can safely be used to treat insomnia. However, ask your doctor first if you are taking any medications or plan on using prescription sleep aids along with natural herbs.
A herb called valerian has proven especially effective in helping insomnia patients. This natural sleep aid allows patients to fall asleep quicker and helps them achieve a sounder sleep state necessary for dreams and restful sleep to occur.
Corydalis is a herb that both relaxes insomnia sufferers and lessens physical pain due to other illnesses that may be the root cause of insomnia.
Chamomile is a well known herb that can be consumed in the form of tea or as an extract. In addition to treating insomnia, chamomile helps reduce stress and depression.
Light sleepers may want to try lemon balm to lessen the effects of insomnia. This natural herb is popular for treating mild insomnia cases since it effectively reduces stress and anxiety levels.
Rozerem, a Non-Addictive Sleep Aid for Light Sleepers and Insomniacs
If you’ve suffered from insomnia for an extended period of time, you may be familiar with a new prescription sleep aid called Rozerem. Rozerem is unique from other sleep drugs as it does not cause dependence or harmful side effects.
Rozerem can be taken safely by most insomnia patients for an extended time. However, it is not necessary to take Rozerem on a daily basis. Simply take the Rozerem tablets on the days you have trouble sleeping.
Although Rozerem does not cause excess grogginess, insomnia sufferers should refrain from potentially harmful activities like alcohol consumption while using this sleep aid.
In order to learn more about Rozerem and decide if it’s the right sleep aid to treat your insomnia, visit our Rozerem facts page for more details.
For light sleepers, insomnia can be an annoying problem. The barking dog outside. The ticking of the alarm clock. Even the sound of your partner shifting in the bed can disturb your Zs.
If you’re tired of awakening at every little sound, maybe it’s time you tried some natural sleep techniques coupled with a non-addictive sleep aid such as Rozerem. Although being a light sleeper is annoying, there’s no reason you can’t ease your insomnia with a few sleep-enhancing tricks.
Insomnia Overview
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which the patient either has trouble falling asleep or cannot remain asleep for an extended period of time. Although most people have experienced a sleepless night or two during their lifetime, often it’s connected to a specific stress-related event such as the loss of a loved one or a job related anxiety. Doctors refer to patients in this category as temporary insomniacs. The insomnia symptoms will usually disappear when the underlying stress is resolved.
Patients with chronic insomnia are those who have battled sleeplessness for a period of six months or longer. In these insomniacs, doctors may have a difficult time pinpointing the exact cause of the condition.
Left untreated, chronic insomnia can lead to other serious problems such as depression. Due to fatigue, people with chronic insomnia may also experience a total lack of motivation or enthusiasm. As the body becomes worn down, insomnia sufferers have trouble concentrating. Performing daily routine tasks can be difficult. They may even undergo behavior changes.
Although sleep aids can help patients achieve better rest, chronic insomniacs can become addicted to certain prescription sleep aids. While they may be sleeping longer hours than before, their bodies can experience a number of unpleasant side effects related to the long-term use of sleep aids.
Today a greater number of people suffer from insomnia than ever before. Did you know that before the invention of electricity, the average American slept around nine hours a night? Only a small fraction of the current population acquires this much sleep on a regular basis. In fact, our current society might view individuals who sleep nine hours as lazy or unproductive.
How Your Work Schedule Can Aggravate Insomnia
In order to function properly, our bodies must be in tune with their internal clock or circadian rhythm. Most folks acknowledge they feel more productive after a restful night’s sleep. But for patients with insomnia, getting enough sleep and feeling refreshed is a rare occurrence.
In today’s hectic workplace, an increasing number of employees are being forced to toil during hours that conflict with the body’s natural sleep schedule. Insomnia sufferers who work afternoon or night shifts have an additional burden to overcome. These light sleepers must deal with sunlight disturbances as well as noise issues. For them, falling asleep and staying asleep may seem next to impossible.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective natural techniques that can help insomnia patients relieve their condition. You may wish to try these natural methods first before seeking relief from prescription sleep aids like Rozerem. These helpful methods can even lessen your long-term dependence on sleep aids.
Natural Methods to Help Light Sleepers Combat Insomnia
Before attempting to treat insomnia with natural sleep aids or methods, you may wish to consult with your physician first. Neurologists who specialize in sleep disorders are highly qualified to assist you in determining the cause of your insomnia. Patients who can first identify the reasons for their insomnia are more likely to have a successful outcome.
Helpful Tips for Light Sleepers
Keep a sleep diary that includes the following:
total hours slept each night,
number of awakenings during the night,
approximate amount of time needed to fall asleep.
Over time you can identify any specific patterns or events that may be contributing to your insomnia.
Try to go to bed around the same time each night. This will help your body regulate its sleep schedule. If you simply cannot fall asleep, you may have to reduce your sleep time until your body becomes fatigued and sleep is inevitable.
Earplugs are an inexpensive way for light sleepers, especially travelers, to combat insomnia. If you’re fed up sleeping with your head tucked under the pillow, this tip may be just the cure you need.
Although noise is the enemy, many light sleepers can tolerate a consistent noise such as a fan, air conditioner, etc. During the summertime, this is the perfect way for insomniacs to drown out disturbances such as automobiles, televisions, or loud neighbors.
Soothing classical background music is a great way to eliminate other noises while relaxing your mind and body. Try listening to some of your favorite music in order to beat insomnia.
Watch your diet. If you’re an avid coffee drinker, set a specific cutoff time for your last cup of java. Caffeine aggravates insomnia and can increase your anxiety level.
Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime. Digesting all that food is hard work that can keep your system active and awake for hours.
Natural Herbs and Supplements Can Lessen Insomnia
Natural herbs are a great way to fight insomnia. Many of these natural sleep aids are also inexpensive to purchase. Like all drugs, you should consult with your doctor or a qualified herbalist before attempting treatment.
Most natural herbs can safely be used to treat insomnia. However, ask your doctor first if you are taking any medications or plan on using prescription sleep aids along with natural herbs.
A herb called valerian has proven especially effective in helping insomnia patients. This natural sleep aid allows patients to fall asleep quicker and helps them achieve a sounder sleep state necessary for dreams and restful sleep to occur.
Corydalis is a herb that both relaxes insomnia sufferers and lessens physical pain due to other illnesses that may be the root cause of insomnia.
Chamomile is a well known herb that can be consumed in the form of tea or as an extract. In addition to treating insomnia, chamomile helps reduce stress and depression.
Light sleepers may want to try lemon balm to lessen the effects of insomnia. This natural herb is popular for treating mild insomnia cases since it effectively reduces stress and anxiety levels.
Rozerem, a Non-Addictive Sleep Aid for Light Sleepers and Insomniacs
If you’ve suffered from insomnia for an extended period of time, you may be familiar with a new prescription sleep aid called Rozerem. Rozerem is unique from other sleep drugs as it does not cause dependence or harmful side effects.
Rozerem can be taken safely by most insomnia patients for an extended time. However, it is not necessary to take Rozerem on a daily basis. Simply take the Rozerem tablets on the days you have trouble sleeping.
Although Rozerem does not cause excess grogginess, insomnia sufferers should refrain from potentially harmful activities like alcohol consumption while using this sleep aid.
In order to learn more about Rozerem and decide if it’s the right sleep aid to treat your insomnia, visit our Rozerem facts page for more details.
Insomnia and Poor Quality Sleep: Causes and Treatments
May 10, 2011 by admin
Filed under Types Of Insomnia
James S. Pendergraft asked:
Insomnia is irregular wakefulness, inability to sleep or poor quality sleep. This problem might cause during daytime, like lack of energy, tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Some level of this problem is experienced by everyone. It is as simple as not able to fall asleep, as changes made in sleeping patterns or excitement of next day. A symptom of Night time eating syndrome may be Insomnia.
Different classifications of Insomnia are chronic, intermittent and transient. The short term insomnia is transient insomnia, which lasts from single night to couple of weeks. Insomnia which occurs on and off is Intermittent Insomnia. The constantly occurred insomnia is chronic insomnia.
This problem can be caused by different things. The people who are experiencing stress, extreme temperatures, change in surrounding environment, environmental noise, wake/sleep schedule problems like medication side effects is caused by intermittent and transient insomnia. The chronic insomnia cause is more complex than intermittent and transient insomnia causes. It results in the combination of factors which includes mental disorders or underlying physical. Chronic insomnia is most commonly caused by depression.
Other substances or medications may also cause insomnia like tobacco, caffeine, stimulants, alcohol, nicotine, sedatives, certain allergy, theophylline and cold medicines. The primary causes of insomnia include medical or emotional conditions. Some life changes can cause long term insomnia like changes in their work schedule, major life problems, emotional upsets like relationship break up, long lasting stress and Gastrointestinal disorders like heartburn.
The non-drug treatments of insomnia:
The treatment not only includes medications, but even behavioral modifications for long term results and sleep habitat. To manage insomnia, it is important to evaluate sleep habitats. In some cases changing sleep schedule might correct the problem without any medications.
The good sleep habitat includes a comfortable quite room at comfortable temperature and a comfortable bed, regular sleep times, appropriate lighting, regular exercises, not late in evenings or close to bed time, avoid naps during day time and relaxations techniques like breathing exercise.
The OTC (Over the Counter) medicines for insomnia are advisable only for short term and transient insomnia. The OTC drugs should not be used for short period conjunction, with having changes in sleeping habitats. These drugs when used for chronic results in dependence on them. Where it creates a problem, that sleep is not possible till the use of drug. Chromic insomnia should be evaluated by physicians.
The Antihistamines for insomnia:
Doxylamine (for e.g. Unisom) and Diphenhydramine (for e.g. Nytol, Sominex) are marketed as OTC drugs. Diphenhydramine is the agent which is considered to be effective and safe by drug and food administration. The effectiveness and safety of doxylamineis not adequately evaluated for FDA approval. The causes of Diphenhydramine include motion, allergy, cough suppression and sickness.
The drug interactions for insomnia:
Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine add medications which causes drowsiness and the tranquilizer of alcohol.
The side effects for insomnia:
Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine also cause dry mouth, difficulty in ********* and constipation. Both the drugs worsen the symptoms of asthma, prostate gland enlargement, glaucoma and heart problems.
To Your Health!
Insomnia is irregular wakefulness, inability to sleep or poor quality sleep. This problem might cause during daytime, like lack of energy, tiredness, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Some level of this problem is experienced by everyone. It is as simple as not able to fall asleep, as changes made in sleeping patterns or excitement of next day. A symptom of Night time eating syndrome may be Insomnia.
Different classifications of Insomnia are chronic, intermittent and transient. The short term insomnia is transient insomnia, which lasts from single night to couple of weeks. Insomnia which occurs on and off is Intermittent Insomnia. The constantly occurred insomnia is chronic insomnia.
This problem can be caused by different things. The people who are experiencing stress, extreme temperatures, change in surrounding environment, environmental noise, wake/sleep schedule problems like medication side effects is caused by intermittent and transient insomnia. The chronic insomnia cause is more complex than intermittent and transient insomnia causes. It results in the combination of factors which includes mental disorders or underlying physical. Chronic insomnia is most commonly caused by depression.
Other substances or medications may also cause insomnia like tobacco, caffeine, stimulants, alcohol, nicotine, sedatives, certain allergy, theophylline and cold medicines. The primary causes of insomnia include medical or emotional conditions. Some life changes can cause long term insomnia like changes in their work schedule, major life problems, emotional upsets like relationship break up, long lasting stress and Gastrointestinal disorders like heartburn.
The non-drug treatments of insomnia:
The treatment not only includes medications, but even behavioral modifications for long term results and sleep habitat. To manage insomnia, it is important to evaluate sleep habitats. In some cases changing sleep schedule might correct the problem without any medications.
The good sleep habitat includes a comfortable quite room at comfortable temperature and a comfortable bed, regular sleep times, appropriate lighting, regular exercises, not late in evenings or close to bed time, avoid naps during day time and relaxations techniques like breathing exercise.
The OTC (Over the Counter) medicines for insomnia are advisable only for short term and transient insomnia. The OTC drugs should not be used for short period conjunction, with having changes in sleeping habitats. These drugs when used for chronic results in dependence on them. Where it creates a problem, that sleep is not possible till the use of drug. Chromic insomnia should be evaluated by physicians.
The Antihistamines for insomnia:
Doxylamine (for e.g. Unisom) and Diphenhydramine (for e.g. Nytol, Sominex) are marketed as OTC drugs. Diphenhydramine is the agent which is considered to be effective and safe by drug and food administration. The effectiveness and safety of doxylamineis not adequately evaluated for FDA approval. The causes of Diphenhydramine include motion, allergy, cough suppression and sickness.
The drug interactions for insomnia:
Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine add medications which causes drowsiness and the tranquilizer of alcohol.
The side effects for insomnia:
Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine also cause dry mouth, difficulty in ********* and constipation. Both the drugs worsen the symptoms of asthma, prostate gland enlargement, glaucoma and heart problems.
To Your Health!
