Insomnia Side Effects

Determining if you have insomnia is not a difficult process.  If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, you may have insomnia.   Depending on the severity, it may not last for longer than a few days.  However, if it will not stop after a significant amount of time, then it may be wise to consult your doctor.  They will ask about your sleep patterns and how well rested you feel daily, in addition to testing for any other underlying medical conditions that may be the root of your insomnia.  People who may have sleep disorders might be administered to a sleep center, to monitor them throughout the night for any abnormalities.

Because insomnia is usually a side effect of another underlying cause, it is best to treat insomnia by treating any other ailments you may have first.  For primary insomnia, simple causes such as jet lag or caffeine, allowing time for your body to adjust or cope might be all that is needed to get over your sleep problems.  It is also recommended to enforce good sleeping patterns, such as sleeping for the same amount of time each night.  This can help your body deal with lingering causes such as long term stress at work or home.  Sleep medications can also be prescribed by your doctor if you are still having troubles.

Behavioral therapy is a very common and safe method of insomnia treatment.  There are several different types of therapy to help cure insomnia.  In addition to proper knowledge about good sleep habits, behavioral therapy is a very effective treatment.

Relaxation techniques are used to relieve anxiety.  Tensing and relaxing muscles in your body for a few minutes can alleviate anxiety.  Breathing exercises are another way to calm the body down.

Stimulus control teaches the body to associate your bedroom and bed only with sleep or sexual intercourse.  Otherwise, you should spend as little time as possible in the bedroom if not engaging in either of those.  If you cannot sleep, do not stay in your bedroom.  It is also important to avoid naps completely.

Sleep restriction is the method of reducing the amount of sleep you get, in an effort to make you more tired.  This treatment option is best for those that have trouble staying asleep through the night.  Go to bed about 30 minutes later than you normally would, even if you are tired.  If you still have trouble staying asleep, continue to add another 30 minutes before bedtime each week.  However, do not restrict yourself to any less than 5 hours of sleep.  When your sleep begins to improve, start rolling back your bed time by 30 minute increments about every week.

It is recommended to see a sleep specialist if you are considering behavioral therapies to cure the adverse effects of insomnia.