Insomnia Health Article

Drug therapy

Medications given for insomnia include sedatives, tranquilizers, and antianxiety drugs. All require a doctor's prescription and may become habit-forming. They can lose effectiveness over time and can reduce alertness during the day. The medications should be taken two to four times daily for approximately three to four weeks, though this will vary with the physician and patient. If the insomnia is related to depression, then an antidepressant medication may be helpful. Over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines are not very effective in bringing about sleep, and can affect the quality of sleep.

Other measures

Relaxing before going to bed will help a person fall asleep faster. Learning to substitute pleasant thoughts for unpleasant ones (imagery training) is a technique that can be very helpful in reducing worry. Another effective measure is the use of audiotapes that combine the sounds of nature with soft relaxing music. These, alone or in combination with other relaxation techniques, can safely promote sleepiness.

Changes in diet and exercise routines can also have a beneficial effect. Dietary items to be avoided include drinks that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea and colas'chocolate (which contains a stimulant); and alcohol, which initially makes a person sleepy but a few hours later can have the opposite effect. Maintaining a comfortable bedroom temperature, reducing noise and eliminating light are also helpful. Regularly scheduled morning or afternoon exercise can relax the body. This should be done 3-4 times a week and be sufficient to produce a light sweat.

Alternative treatments

Many alternative treatments are effective in treating both the symptom of insomnia and its underlying causes. Incorporating relaxation techniques into bedtime rituals will help a person go to sleep faster, as well as improve the quality of sleep. These methods include meditation; massage; breathing exercises; and a warm bath, scented with rose, lavender (Lavendula officinalis), marjoram, or chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and the B vitamins is also beneficial. A high-protein snack like yogurt before going to bed is recommended, or a cup of herb tea made with chamomile, hops (Humulus lupulus), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), or St. John's-Wort (Hypericum perforatum) to encourage relaxation. Acupuncture and biofeedback have also proven useful.