To deal with insomnia,
don't jump to sleeping pills! Instead, analyze the problem to
determine its cause--since treatments work best when we know
what we're treating.
If
the problem involves inability to fall asleep initially,
particularly with "difficulty turning
one's head off":
-Consider obtaining good stress management and relaxation training.
-Don't go to bed too late. Keep a regular bedtime. Follow good sleep
hygiene (contact us for more details).
-Ensure that any physical symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath
receive prompt medical attention.
-Dependence on sleeping pills, other drugs and alcohol may warrant
professional assistance in their management.
-Consultation with a sleep medicine specialist may be needed for restless
legs syndrome, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and other problems--particularly
if persistent.
If early awakenings are the
main problem:
-Treatment for depression may be helpful if it is present.
-If depression is not responsible for the early awakenings,
a sleep medicine consultation should be considered to determine
their cause.
If instead, repeated awakenings
and fragmented sleep are being experienced, assessment by
a sleep medicine specialist is usually advisable.
-Otherwise, the cause of the problem will be likely to escape detection.
Some of the possible underlying causes are medically dangerous, and
failure to identify them can render effective treatment impossible.
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here to contact us.
