Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Types of Insomnia Treatment

If you've done all kinds of self-help methods and can't get rid of insomnia, something else could be causing your lack of sleep. If you think depression, restless legs syndrome or anxiety is causing you to suffer insomnia, talk to your doctor, who might recommend insomnia treatments. These insomnia treatments may include behavioral therapies or medications which promote relaxation and sleep.

If your doctor opts for behavioral treatments, you will be taught new sleep behaviors and ways to make your sleeping environment better for good sleep. History shows behavioral therapies are either as effective or even more effective than sleep medication and sleep aids. The two can also be combined.

You can also take sleeping pills by themselves. Some of the most popular include:

*Zolpidem (Ambien)

*Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

*Zaleplon (Sonata)

*Ramelteon (Rozerem)

The last product on that list, Ramelteon, is the newest on the market, and appears to not make you as prone to addiction and rebound insomnia. But, all can cause severe allergic reactions, as well as swelling in the face, and sleep-driving and preparing and eating food while you are asleep. Really, you should not use sleep medications for more than a few days.

Your best option for long term insomnia treatment is to stay away from sleeping pills and other similar medications. Doctors say you should not use these products for more than a few days, because of the side effects we mentioned. Your goal is to develop the ability to sleep without the help of medication.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Sleep Deprivation Timeline

Is there a sleep deprivation timeline? When I refer to a sleep deprivation timeline, what I am referring to is, is there an amount of time when you go without sleep where you will start to feel negative effects of sleep deprivation?

You can start to feel the effects of sleep deprivation right after one bad night’s rest. You may have trouble concentrating, you may find yourself falling asleep at work, or you may just suffer from general fatigue. Imagine how bad things can get if this happens night after night.

Get the sleep you deserve TONIGHT. The book Stop Insomnia has some great tips to get sleep naturally. Click here to access it

Friday, July 25, 2008

Why Sleeping Pills Are Bad

Many people experiencing sleep problems just want to get some sleep fast! But the causes of insomnia are complex and vary by each person. Several of the successful behavioral treatments for insomnia are time-intensive and require a lot of work by the person experiencing insomnia. The thought of a pill that can solve the problem quickly is very appealing. Unfortunately, sleep medications don't cure insomnia, and they can often exacerbate the problem over the long term.

Other concerns about the use of both over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills include:

* development of drug tolerance

* development of drug dependence

* physical side effects

* interactions with other drugs or chemicals in the body

* withdrawal symptoms

* rebound insomnia

To read more about the problems with sleeping pills, click here

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

The Causes of Insomnia

What are the causes of insomnia? The most common psychological problems include anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, insomnia may be an indicator of depression. Many people will have insomnia during the acute phases of a mental illness.

Physiological insomnia causes span from circadian rhythm disorders, sleep-wake imbalance, to a variety of medical conditions. Following are the most common medical conditions that trigger insomnia:

*Chronic pain syndromes

*Congestive heart failure

*Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

*Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (Often insomnia is the deciding factor for nursing home placement.)

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing insomnia:

*Travelers

*Shift workers

*Seniors

*Adolescent or young adult students

*Those with chronic pain, cardiopulmonary disease

*Pregnant women

*Women in menopause

Insomnia causes can also be blamed on certain medications. Among them are certain over-the-counter cold and asthma preparations. The prescription varieties of these medications may also contain stimulants and thus produce similar effects on sleep. Medications for high blood pressure have also been associated with poor sleep. Common stimulants associated with poor sleep include caffeine and nicotine. You should consider not only restricting caffeine use in the hours immediately before bedtime but also limiting your total daily intake.

People often use alcohol to help induce sleep, as a nightcap. However, it is a poor choice. Alcohol is associated with sleep disruption and creates a sense of non-refreshed sleep in the morning.

A disruptive bed partner with loud snoring or periodic leg movements also may impair your ability to get a good night's sleep.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Cure Insomnia WITHOUT Drugs!

Do any of these statements describe you?

*It takes me hours to fall asleep...
*I often go days without getting sleep...
*I toss and turn and awaken on a regular basis...
*My mind races along all night long...
*I finally seem to fall asleep just as the alarm clock goes off...
*I'm constantly exhausted...
*I find myself always napping during the day...
*I can't remember the last time I actually slept an entire night...
*If I actually DO get some sleep - I hardly ever feel rested...

Insomnia affects many people, so if you're having trouble sleeping, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are ways of getting a good night's sleep again without having to rely on sleeping pills.

The Ebook Stop Insomnia provides some great ideas that will help you get the rest you need.