Insomnia Causes


Still Counting Sheep? Learn About Various Insomnia Causes and The Best Way To Overcome It

Welcome to InsomniaCauses.Info

Over The Counter Sleep Aids

Surveys showed that about 30% of American women and 20% of men take medication to help them sleep every year. Over half of these drugs are over the counter medications. Why do so many people prefer to take over the counter medications for insomnia? Most people want a quick fix to their problems. Sleeping pills and sedatives seems to be the perfect solution as other natural and safer methods take time to see effects. However, the fact remains that these sleeping pills cannot solve their problems but actually aggravate their problems besides experiencing side effects.

Some over-the-counter sleeping medication commonly used to treat short term insomnia or transient insomnia contain antihistamines. The medications which contains antihistamines ingredients including Nytol, Sleep-Eez and Sominex which has diphenhydramine. Others such as Anacin P.M., Exedrin P.M., Tylenol P.M. Contain diphenhydramine with pain relievers. One side effect of these drugs is that they can make the patients drowsy the next day and may not give very restful sleep. Other side effects include daytime sleepiness, dizziness, drunken movement, blurred vision and dry mouth.

If you need these sleeping pills to help you sleep due to temporary reasons such as travelling, some ailments or emotional problems, pay close attention to the type of medication you choose and only take them when you really need it. If you are taking sleeping pills, follow these pracautions:

  • Start with non-prescriptive medications. Or try taking natural remedies before resort to sleeping pills.
  • Do not take sleeping pills for more than 2 to 4 days consecutively in a week.
  • If insomnia is still a problem after stopping sleeping pills, you can start taking it if really necessary for not more than 4 weeks.
  • Medication should be withdrawn gradually and the patient should be aware of the possibility of rebound insomnia when they stop taking medication.
  • When taking sleeping pills, alcohol should be avoided at all cost. Otherwise the effects can be detrimental.


The sleep quality induced by taking over the counter sleep aids is not the same quality as normal sleep. Some people who take over the counter sleep aids or medication spend as only 5% of their total sleep time in deep sleep as compared to about 10% to 25% for a healthy sleeper.

It is important to avoid activities which require mental alertness such as driving , when taking over the counter sleep aids. The sedative effects of antihistamines can increase the possibility of accidents and falling in the elderly.

Over-the-counter sleep aids are intended to manage an occasional sleepless night, not chronic insomnia, which could signal a serious underlying problem Taking an OTC sleep aid for more than 7 to 10 days is not recommended.

Older people, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before they take any product that contains an antihistamine. This precaution also applies to people with angle-closure glaucoma, heart disease, constipation, or an enlarged prostate gland.



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!

Popular Insomnia Articles....
Insomnia Treatments Natural Cures for Insomnia Anxiety Insomnia Insomnia Hypnotherapy Melatonin Insomnia

 

  
Home

  
What Is Insomnia

  
Chronic Insomnia

  
Insomnia Causes

  
Insomnia Patients

  
Effect Of Insomnia

  
Facts about Insomnia

  
Insomnia Treatments

  
Over The Counter Sleep Aids

  
Benzodiazepines Insomnia

  
Natural Cures For Insomnia

  
Anxiety Insomnia

  
Insomnia in Children

  
Insomnia Hypnotherapy

  
Melatonin Insomnia


Copyright 2007-2008 InsomniaCauses.Info All Rights Reserved.