Health Tip: Treating Insomnia
Insomnia -- the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep -- can occur once in a while, or become chronic. It affects more women than men.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions to help overcome insomnia:
- Talk to your doctor about identifying any underlying medical problems or mental health issues.
- Examine your daily routine for activities that may be affecting your sleep, including drinking alcohol or caffeine.
- Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using sleeping pills for a short time.
- Try methods such relaxation therapy, sleep restriction therapy and reconditioning.
If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it's important to understand the reasons for your insomnia.
Here's a list of possible reasons for your sleepless nights, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:
- Discomfort or illness.
- Depression.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Drinking caffeine or alcohol, smoking, or taking certain medications or illicit drugs.
- An inappropriate sleep environment, including one that's too bright or too noisy.
- Related activities that affect your sleep, such as taking naps or going to bed too early.
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