Juliet Cohen asked:


Insomnia is a sleep disorder. Sleep is a state of consciousnesses, which gives your body time to rest and build up your strength. It is characterized by an inability to sleep and/or inability to remain asleep for a reasonable period. Insomnia affects all age groups. Among older adults, insomnia affects women more often than men. The incidence increases with age. Insomnia can be a symptom of physical disorders, although for most of us it’s the result of tension, stress and anxiety — and of course the more anxious we get about our insomnia, the worse it gets. It is often caused by fear, stress, anxiety, medications, herbs, caffeine, depression, bipolar disorder or sometimes for no apparent reason. An overactive mind or physical pain may also be causes. Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present. Transient insomnia usually is due to situational changes such as travel and stressful events. It lasts for less than a week or until the stressful event is resolved. Short-term insomnia lasts for 1-3 weeks, and long-term insomnia (chronic insomnia) continues for more than 3 weeks. Chronic insomnia often results from depression or substance abuse. It is important to know that nearly everyone has problems sleeping at some time or other and it is thought that a third of people in the UK have bouts of insomnia. Newborn babies can sleep for 16 hours a day, while children of school age need an average of 10 hours. Adults usually need, on average, 7 to 9 hours sleep a night. As we get older, it’s normal to need less sleep. Most people over 70 need less than 6 hours sleep per night; and they tend to be light sleepers.

Three types of insomnia first is transient insomnia second is acute insomnia and last is chronic insomnia. It is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. Poor sleep quality can occur as a result of sleep apnea or major depression. Transient insomnia lasts from one night to a few weeks. Most people occasionally suffer from transient insomnia due to such causes as jet lag or short-term anxiety. Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of between three weeks to six months. Chronic insomnia is regarded as the most serious; persists almost nightly for at least a month. Chronic insomnia can lead to mental health problems such as depression, or misuse of alcohol or other medicines in order to gain sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs when a sleeping person’s breathing is interrupted, thus interrupting the normal sleep cycle. With the obstructive form of the condition, some part of the sleeper’s respiratory tract loses muscle tone and partially collapses. People with obstructive sleep apnea often do not remember any of this, but they complain of excessive sleepiness during the day. Central sleep apnea interrupts the normal breathing stimulus of the central nervous system, and the individual must actually wake up to resume breathing. Sometimes perimenopausal (the time leading up to menopause) women have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep; hot flashes and night sweats often can disturb sleep. Pregnancy also can affect how well a woman sleeps.

Treatment of insomnia should be individualized based on the nature and severity of symptoms. Most cases of insomnia inability to sleep or inability to sleep well at night. Lormetazepam, a short-acting benzodiazepine widely used for the treatment of insomnia. Rozerem is the very first insomnia treatment medication on the market that acts as a melatonin receptor agonist. Rozerem is just one of the many insomnia medications available on the market today. It is important that you discuss with your health care provider if prescription medications are right to treat your insomnia. Benzodiazepines drugs are relatives of diazepam (Valium) marketed as sleeping aids. Other drugs such as ethchlorvynol (Placidyl) are likely to produce neurologic side effects when taken. Barbiturates were formerly the standard sleeping pills, sold under such names as Seconal and Nembutal. Nonpharmacologic treatments for insomnia are considered effective if they decrease sleep onset latency or increase total sleep time by 30 minutes. Most treatment studies use patient-reported sleep diaries to measure outcome. Criteria used include total sleep time, sleep-onset latency, and number of nocturnal awakenings. A meta-analysis of 48 individual studies of behavioral therapy found stimulus control therapy to be effective and to be superior to progressive relaxation, imagery training, and paradoxical intention. Develop a regular sleeping schedule. Avoid daytime naps and stimulating activities just before bedtime. Avoid alcohol- it is a leading cause of poor sleep. Drink a cup of warm milk.

Antonio LeMaire asked:


You’ve likely seen the popular TV ad campaign for Rozerem… the insomnia guy who keeps late-night company with Abe Lincoln, a beaver, and other colorful characters from his dreams?

Insomnia is such a common problem (one in three adults report having some type of insomnia) that sleep aids such as Rozerem are more popular than ever.

In this article, we’ll look at the different types of insomnia, self help treatments you can try, and Rozerem as a sleep aid for the treatment of insomnia.

What Causes Insomnia

Insomnia happens when your sleep-wake cycle, or your internal clock, is disrupted. It can be caused by many factors: stress, illness, pain, jet lag, sleep apnea, excessive physical or emotional arousal, shift work, a sedentary lifestyle, worrying about sleep, depression, and other factors.

Certain types of drugs can cause or worsen your insomnia:

* Antidepressants

* Antihypertensives

* Antiarrhythmics

* Antibiotics

* Antihistamines

* Antivirals

* Bronchodilators

* Central nervous system stimulants

* Corticosteroids

* Decongestants

* Diuretics

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Insomnia is more common in people over age 60 and especially in women over 40. It’s estimated that up to one third of the population suffers from some type of insomnia.

Types of Insomnia

Insomnia presents itself in a variety of different ways… once-in-a-while insomnia, chronic insomnia, insomnia that keeps you from falling asleep, insomnia that wakes you up frequently during the night, insomnia that wakes you up too early, and insomnia that allows you to sleep, but poorly.

There are three main types of insomnia:

1. Transient Insomnia: This is short-term insomnia that typically lasts from a few nights to a few weeks. Transient insomnia may cause next-day sleepiness, mood changes, and performance impairment.

2. Intermittent Insomnia: This is when you have periods of transient insomnia that occur on and off over months or years. It can lead to chronic insomnia.

3. Chronic Insomnia: This is long term insomnia – difficulty sleeping for more than a month. Chronic insomnia is often related to more serious problems like depression, memory impairment, accidents, missed work, and increased visits to the doctor.

Self Help for Insomnia

* Open the bedroom windows if possible. Fresh air may help you sleep.

* Don’t read or watch TV in bed… reserve the bed for sleep so the mind begins to associate lying down with sleeping

* Keep a tight schedule going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

* Avoid daytime naps so you’re more tired at bedtime.

* Don’t eat heavy meals before going to bed. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

* Exercise, even 15 minutes a day, can help you relax and get a better sleep.

* Warm milk before bed really works because it causes a chemical reaction that increases serotonin in the brain, making you feel relaxed and calm.

If self help doesn’t improve your insomnia, it may be time to discuss sleep aids with your doctor.

Antonio LeMaire asked:


The terms “Sleep Aids” and “Sleeping Aids” refer to the various therapies, medications and supplements that can help you enjoy a sound and peaceful sleep when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. Sleeping aids and pills are nothing new as our ancestors have been using herbal potions and the opiate laudanum to induce sleep for centuries.

The early 1900s witnessed the introduction of barbiturates, and in the 1960s, benzodiazepines arrived on the scene. There are many safer classes of drugs like non benzodiazepine hypnotics that can easily help us to overcome sleeping disorders today.

Even though you might know the tips for a good night’s sleep like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, controlling stress, and relaxation before bedtime, sleep can still elude you. Sleeping aids can help you in such circumstances. They are available in many forms that cure and treat various types of sleeping disorders.

Sleeping Disorders

Sleeping disorders may appear in many forms, like failing to sleep the whole night, feeling sleepy and tired during the day though you had enough sleep, having crawling sensations in your legs, and snoring. Some of the most commonly occurring sleeping disorders are:

* Insomnia – failing to sleep

* Sleep apnea – breathing interruptions during sleep

* Restless legs syndrome – a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs

* Narcolepsy – sleep attacks during the day

* Parasomnias- nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, head banging, wetting the bed and grinding your teeth

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common type of sleeping disorder where you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or you wake up feeling dull and tired. People with insomnia would have some or all of the following symptoms:

* Trouble falling asleep

* Waking up repeatedly during the night, and not able to go back to sleep again

* Waking up too early in the morning

* Feeling tired upon waking

* Sleepiness and sleep attacks during the day

* Irritability

* Problems with concentration or memory

Insomnia Causes

There are many reasons for insomnia. Insomnia is sometimes caused by a medical problem (primary insomnia). It can also be caused by depression and certain medications. Insomnia can either be a short term problem lasting less than a month (acute) or a problem that lasts longer than a month (chronic).

The main causes of acute insomnia include:

* Stress

* Illness

* Emotional or physical discomfort

* Environmental aspects like noise, light, or extreme temperatures that affect sleep

* Specific medications used for the treatment of colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma

* Working a night shift.

The causes of chronic insomnia include:

* Depression and/or anxiety

* Chronic stress

* Pain or discomfort at night

Insomnia Treatment

There are many treatments for sleep disorders. Sometimes just having regular sleep habits, lifestyle change, exercise etc. can help in overcoming insomnia and other sleeping disorders. However, it is always best to ask a doctor for a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of insomnia to ensure you are prescribed the correct treatment.

There are medical as well as self-help non-medical treatments for insomnia.

Medical Treatment of Insomnia

Using medication is the most popular way of treating insomnia. Reports say that almost 25% of Americans take some form of medication for the treatment of insomnia. You are advised to take insomnia medications only when:

* The cause of insomnia has been identified

* Sleep troubles cause problems in carrying out daily activities

* Behavioral approaches are ineffective

* Insomnia is acute (temporary or short-term.)

* Insomnia occurs along with a known medical or physical condition

Insomnia Medication Treatment Guidelines

When you start taking medication for the treatment of insomnia, be sure the medication:

* Starts with the lowest possible effective dose

* Is for a short term, if used nightly

* Is alternating or sporadic, if used long-term

* Is accompanied with good sleep practices and/or behavioral approaches

Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics

The choice of a prescription medication for the treatment of insomnia greatly depends on the patient’s diagnosis, history of drug or alcohol abuse, age, medical conditions etc. Generally, there are three types of prescription medications for the treatment of insomnia: Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics.

Hypnotics are the most effective prescription sleeping aids that induce and promote sleep.

Antidepressants are the best solution for the treatment of insomnia when the cause of the sleeping disorder is related to depression. However, a patient should discuss the problem with a doctor as some antidepressants can also cause insomnia.

Anxiolytics are anti-anxiety drugs prescribed for the treatment of insomnia due to anxiety.

Self-Help & Non-Medicinal Insomnia Treatments

Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may include:

* Improved sleep habits and environment (sleep hygiene)

* Stress management and relaxation techniques

* Acupuncture and massage

* Cognitive behavior therapy and

* Herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic remedies

Some people prefer non-medicinal and self–help strategies to treat insomnia as they tend to be less addictive, and drug-free alternatives have fewer side effects. Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may also be less expensive than prescription drugs.

Effectiveness of Hypnotics for Insomnia Treatment

Clinical studies have examined data that proves the efficacy and reliability of hypnotics like Rozerem for the treatment of insomnia. After comparing hypnotics to a placebo for the treatment of insomnia, experts have come to the conclusion that hypnotics like Rozerem:

* shorten the time needed to fall asleep

* increase the total sleep time

* decrease the number of repeated awakenings

* enhance sleep quality

Andrew P Jones asked:


What is Insomnia? The Insomnia sleep disorder, also known as Wakefulness or Dysomnia, is an inability to sleep, or disturbed sleep preventing you from getting a proper night’s rest.

The main effect of insomnia is that you may feel constantly tired and irritable, with poor concentration and coordination.

There are two main types of Insomnia:

Primary Insomnia has no underlying medical cause for the difficulty in sleeping.

Secondary Insomnia has an underlying medical cause triggering disturbed sleep: any condition causing pain, discomfort, or directly causing mental disturbance or anxiety, or specific conditions such as Sleep Apnea or Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you suspect an underlying medical or mental condition seek medical advice.

Behavioral therapy to encourage sleep can be used in both cases, though for Secondary Insomnia you should liaise with your doctor if receiving treatment for an underlying cause.

A period of insomnia can vary from transient (a few nights) to short term (up to 3 weeks) to chronic, long term insomnia (over 3 weeks)

Transient or Short Term Insomnia can be caused by traumatic events such as acute illness, injury or surgery, bereavement, job loss or less serious events such as trouble at work, an exam, extreme weather change, traveling (including jet lag)

Statistics about Insomnia causes: 50% Psychological, 40% Behavioral: sleep environment (30%) stimulants or medication (10%), 10% Physical (pain, illness etc.)

30-40% of people report insomnia each year; 10-15% of people reporting insomnia say they have chronic insomnia.

The amount of sleep needed by people varies: Babies need about 17 hours sleep a day, a child nine to ten hours per night, and an adult seven to eight hours each night, though that typically decreases as you get older.

Chronic Child Insomnia can have even more serious effects than with adults. Getting enough sleep is much more important for young children than for fully grown adults, as a childhood growth demands a healthy sleep cycle.

Don’t send a child to bed as a punishment as this may lead to insomnia due to a fear of being sent to bed. Consider using a bedroom only for sleep, not play.

Never give a child sleeping medicine without proper medical consultation. Sleeping pills may seem to provide instant, even amazing insomnia relief compared to behavioral therapies, but their results are short term and they often have other side effects.

Adults do not all need eight hours every night! Some people manage on as little as four hours sleep a night. If you don’t need much sleep then get up early – spending too long in bed can help trigger insomnia.

People can also mistake the amount of sleep they are actually getting, because they tend to remember waking up as a longer period than it actually was.

After failing to sleep for a few nights, you may become anxious that you won’t sleep causing Fear or Anxiety Insomnia. A major step towards anxiety insomnia treatment can be to accept that you can cope with its effects, thus reducing the fear of not sleeping. You would then build upon this with behavioral therapy.

Three main areas where you can encourage sleep are:

Sleep Environment – a comfortable bed, a bedroom that is quiet, dark and the right temperature

Sleep Discipline – use your bed for sleeping (and sex) only, watch TV etc. elsewhere

Sleep Conditioning – creating a routine, going to bed and getting up at the same time

The results of behavioral therapy may take effect slowly but are long term – the creation of good habits which make you less prone to insomnia.

Sleep can be disrupted even by normal foods and behaviors: e.g. don’t consume coffee after 1pm – try decaffeinated coffee instead. Avoid consuming alcohol within two hours of going to bed, although it may make you drowsy initially it can inhibit sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night.

A warm drink, dairy, soy products, eggs, rice and grains aid relaxation; foods such as bread or crackers which are high in carbohydrate can reduce anxiety, thus aiding sleep. Do not eat sugary or spicy food or drink near bedtime.

Stress or a mind too active or anxious will hinder the relaxation necessary before sleep comes.

Regular physical exercise helps control stress physically and psychologically by breaking up the day after work to distance you from work problems. Early evening is the best time for exercise if you want to use it to help get to sleep.

A warm bath can help relaxation – but don’t stay there too long or have the water too hot.

Try meditation or other relaxation techniques. Continuous practice will help you do them more effectively, so practice during the day to reduce stress, then even when you are tired it’ll work better. If you are lying awake anyway, why not just do the relaxation exercises for fun!

Connie Wolf asked:


Let’s begin with the definition of insomnia. Insomnia is the difficulty of falling asleep or maintaining sleep. And insomnia is not always measured by the number of hours you sleep since everyone varies in sleep needs and practices. Since most of us know what insomnia is and how we feel the next day with one or more sleepless nights before that, not all of us seek treatment and remain unaware of the options available to treat insomnia. I have some interesting things to tell you.

Let’s start with the symptoms of insomnia. Generally there are three types of insomnia, and these are based on how long it lasts.

*Transient insomnia: lasts fewer than four weeks

*Short-term insomnia: the inability to sleep well for four to six months

*Chronic insomnia: the inability to sleep every night or most nights for more than six months

Insomnia symptoms for Transient and short-term insomnia can be caused by stress related factors such as losing a job, marital problems, personal events and just plain worrying about things.

Chronic insomnia symptoms can be caused by medical illnesses like heartburn, menopause, diabetes, and arthritis, sleep disordered breathing, like sleep apnea that cause one to stop breathing while asleep, restless leg syndrome (RLS) which is recurrent movements of the legs during sleep. “Learned” insomnia, where you go to bed worrying about going to sleep. Age, because as we age sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented. And lifestyle factors, like caffeine consumption, alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, poor sleeping habits.

Insomnia treatment can be divided into two areas: Treatment with and without medication.

When people think about insomnia treatment they tend to think about sleeping pills that can become addictive and may just bring up more medical issues. But in my research I have found that there are actually a lot of non-medical therapies and techniques out there that go a long way to help you feel sleepy at night and stay asleep.

Here are few techniques and suggestions I have found.

Develop a sleeping schedule

*Exercise during the day

*Keep a comfortable bedroom temperature

*Avoid stimulating drugs, like caffeine and nicotine right before sleep

*Avoid alcohol

*Avoid heavy meals before bedtime

*Natural remedies, including night time teas and alternative medicines

*Increase exposure to sunlight more in the morning than in the evening

*Relaxation therapy to reduce anxiety and body tension

Your next step? To take what you’ve just learned and find out more about natural cures and natural remedies for insomnia. Just a moment of your time, it may be a wise choice for you or someone you know and love that is suffering from insomnia.