Insomnia or inability to sleep can be very problematic. Not able to fall as sleep or maintain sleep could result in feeling fatigued, tired and irritable. All of us have experienced occasional insomnia at some point of life. However when it happens on a regular basis then it poses a big health problem.
Causes
Insomnia can result from poor sleep hygiene, sleep apnea, pain, excessive coffee or alcohol, side effects of pills among many other causes.
Treatment of Insomnia
Management of Insomnia should include proper sleep hygiene while trying to remedy other underlying problems. Sleeping pills are not always the answer to treat insomnia. They have many side effects. Sleeping pills are known cause of falls in the elderly population. Avoid over the counter sleep aids. They usually have a name with PM at the end. These sleep aids usually contain antihistamine which is responsible for falls, daytime sleepiness, low blood pressure, dizziness, problems with urination for people with prostate problems, worsening of memory and increase confusion for people with Dementia. People with memory problems, prostate problem and glaucoma should not take these pills.
Following sleep hygiene can be very helpful-
Do go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
Do some bedtime ritual
Do exercise daily
Do expose yourself to some sunlight daily
Do not watch TV in the bedroom
Do not have a clock in the bedroom
Do not use bedroom for other reasons except for sleep
Do not nap during day
Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime
Do not drink coffee or alcohol in the evening
Do not drink too much water or liquids around bedtime
Do not allow your pets to sleep with you
Do not take a heavy meal close to sleep time
Have a good night of sleep!
© 2015 Obayedur Khan, MD, FACP. All rights reserved.
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