Insomnia Causes

Insomnia Treatments Most of the insomnia cases are caused by another condition or psychological problem. For these causes, medical treatments may help. These are some of the common medications given to insomnia patients: (1) Sleeping Pills or Sedatives Many mild to moderate insomniacs depend on sleeping pills to get a good night sleep. Sleeping pills are a sedative which depresses the central nervous system so that the patient feels calm, relaxed, sleepiness, and reduced anxiety. All sedative drugs can cause psychological dependence where the individual believe that they cannot sleep without drugs. Sedatives are easily abused to produce an over-calming effect, especially when it is taken with alcohol. High doses of abuse of this drug can result in unconsciousness and it can be fatal. (2) Benzodiazepines This is the most commonly used class of hypnotics to treat insomnia. Besides insomnia, benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety, depression, agitation, seizures as well as alcohol withdrawal. All benzodiazepines have is addictive and should only prescribed the smallest dosage possible to avoid negative side effects. Please read the article “ Benzodiazepines Insomnia” for more information about this drug and its side effects. (3) Non-benzodiazepines There are another type of hypnotic medication which do not contain Benzodiazepines. These pills are believed to have less side effects and are short acting. Some non-benzodiazepines include zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata) and zopiclone (Imovane). Zaleplon is the shortest-acting hypnotic and can be taken even during the middle of the night. This medication is effective and do not leave the patient overly sedated in the morning. This is useful for the elderly patients due to their better safety records. As for zolpidem, this is useful for people to take as soon as they go to bed since this is longer acting than Sonata. While there are claims that these type of insomnia treatment has less side effects, in depth studies have shown that they can cause the same memory and cognitive disturbance as the Benzodiazepines. (4) Antidepressants Antidepressant is commonly used to treat clinical depression and dysthymia. As some insomnia cases are caused by depression, antidepressants may help to promote more relaxed sleep. However, the shortcoming of this drug is that they have antihistaminergic, anticholinergic and antiadrenergic properties which can lead to various side effects such as diarrhea, headaches, nausea, erectile problems, weight gain or loss, blurred vision and skin rashes. More serious side effects include liver inflammation, heart attack and stroke. (5) Melatonin Many find melatonin effective for some insomniacs in regulating the sleep/wake cycle although it lacks the definitive data to establish its efficiency in treating insomnia. This drug is relatively mild and contains less side effect and less likely to cause morning sedation. (6) Antihistamines Antihistamine is widely used as over-the-counter sleep aids. While it is available over the counter, its effectiveness will decrease over time as the body get used to it. Dependence seems not an issue with antihistamines. (7) Atypical Antipsychotics This drug is normally used to treat psychiatric conditions. It is approved by the FDA to be used for treating schizophrenia, acute mania and bipolar mania. Recently, metabolic concerns have been of grave concern to clinicians, patients and the FDA. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required all manufacturers of atypical antipsychotics to change their labeling to include a warning about the risks of hyperglycemia and diabetes with atypical antipsychotics. It must also be pointed out that although all atypicals must carry the warning on their labeling, some evidence shows that all atypicals are not equal in their effects of weight and insulin sensitivity. (8) Herbal Herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops and passionflower are known to treat insomnia. The effectiveness of these herbs depends on the type and seriousness of the condition as well as the individual body's acceptance of the herb. (9) Magnesium Supplement Insomnia may be a symptom of magnesium deficiency. In this case, an increased intake of magnesium rich food or taking magnesium supplements may help. (10) Cognitive behavior therapy Recent studies have shown that cognitive behavior therapy may indeed more effective than medication. In this therapy, patients are taught to improve sleep habits, beliefs, assumptions and sleep behavior. (11) Traditional remedies Some of these remedies include drinking warm milk before going to sleep, taking a warm bath in the evening, exercising vigorously for half an hour in the afternoon and avoiding stimulating activities in the evenings. (12) Aromatherapy This include using essential oils such as lavender oil, jasmine oil for inducing a state of sleepiness. (13) Meditation Relaxation via meditating can help to induce sleep as well as lower stress levels. (14) Traditional Chinese Medicine These methods include acupuncture, herbology, dietary and lifestyle analysis. (15) Insomina hypnosis Some have found hypnotherapy to be effective in helping them fall asleep and staying asleep. There are many insomnia treatments in the market. Not all works for everybody. You need to find the best treatment for your condition. Read more in depth information on these treatments in their relative articles.

Natural Sleep Aid Quick Tip #1 Valerian Root is the most popular and effective natural herb for treating insomnia. This herb has been used for centuries to cure insomnia without any report on negative side effects. Studies have shown that Valerian has a calming effect which help to combat stress and promote restful sleep. It is safe to be taken long term and unlike other insomnia medication, this herb does not cause addiction and dependence.

Natural Sleep Aid Quick Tip #2 Anxiety causing you sleepless nights? Anxiety is probably the most common factor which causes transient insomnia. Taking over-the-counter sleeping medication do not solve the root problem. It might even make you feel worse! Treat anxiety so that you can have a good night sleep and feel refreshed to face the next day. Do you know that simple herbs such as passionflower, lavender and lemon balm are just what you need to overcome anxiety? Get More Information on PureCalm for Anxiety & Panic Attacks.

Natural Sleep Aid Quick Tip #3 Self Hypnosis for Insomnia "It's all in the mind." You know what? Most of the time , this is true. Do you know that many people suffer from insomnia because they believe they can't go to sleep without pills? It is the mind which are playing tricks on them. Overcome insomnia with Hypnotherapy. You can easily re-educate your mind to expect a good night sleep. Self hypnosis helps you to slow down your mind and body so that you can be totally relaxed to fall asleep. Cure insomnia today with an advanced hypnosis download!