Prescription Medications for Treating Insomnia

So perhaps you have tried some of the natural remedies or your just feeling you need something a little stronger to help you deal with insomnia. Luckily there are plenty of prescription medications available on the market today to deal with this all to common problem. This article details the advantages and disadvantages of these medications, but remember you should always consult your doctor before starting to take prescription drugs.

Non-Bezodiazephines

These are newer then standard Benzondiazephines and although they produce the same results they are structurally different. Common brand names include Ambien, Sonata and Rozerem. They are viewed as being slightly safer then Benzodiazephines, producing lower dependency rates over a longer period of time, as well as lower addiction and tolerance rates. However they are not without disadvantages and have been known to produce side effects such as pronounced amnesia and ’sleep walking’.

Benzodiazepines

These are the oldest type of medications still available on the market today used for treating short-term or non chronic insomnia. They work by essentially ‘quietening’ the brains over active signals thus producing a calming effect. They are also used to treat anxiety related disorders such as panic attack and phobias. Common types include Alprazolam and Valium, they are often highly addictive, causing physical dependency amongst longer term users.

Anti-depressants

Anti-depressants are prescribed by doctors when they recognise the root cause of a patients insomnia as anxiety or depression. After all over 70% of people with depression say they also suffer from insomnia. Brand names include Amitriptyline and Trazodone. They have a high success rate when treating long-term insomnia in the right type of patient. However they also come with a host of possible side effects. Including dependency (not so much physical but psychological) with the patient mentally unable to sleep without them. As well as withdrawal symptoms when stopping taking the medication.

Over the Counter

There are also a large number of over the counter medications, the main ingredient they contain is ‘antihistamines’, the stuff found in allergy treating products – such as hay-fever. However histamines provide wake-fullness therefore antihistamines to do the opposite and will make you feel sleepy. Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine are two of the most common drugs in over the counter medications and can be found in brands such as Nytol, Sleepaid, Sominex and Unisom. Over the counter medication can be useful in treating mild or short term cases of insomnia, without having to take a course of more ’stronger’ prescriptive medication. They can however produce drowsiness and general grogginess the next day.

So there is a brief overview of the options available. Of course there are plenty of natural remedies on the market too and remember to always seek advice from your doctor before taking any new prescriptive medications.

10 Tips to beat Insomnia and get a good nights Sleep

1. The bedroom is for sleeping
Do you have a television in your room? Can you be found in your bedroom when you are not even in a remotely sleepy mood? Well stop! This is very detrimental, and wont help your sleeping patterns. By using your bed only for sleeping you are letting your body know right this is where and when you sleep. Whereas if you are constantly on your bed watching TV or doing crosswords then you are stepping over the sleep/wake barrier and making it harder for yourself to actually get some quality ’shut-eye’ when the time comes.

2. Set Times
It is essential to set yourself a bedtime and a waking up time. No matter how hard it may seem to get up in the morning it is for your own good. By doing so you are setting yourself a body clock. Too often then not insomniacs sleeping and waking patterns get pushed later and later. And each time they do you are setting a bad habit for yourself and making it harder to come back to sleep normality. Set that time and stick to it!

3. Create a Space
The old saying ‘a cluttered space is a cluttered mind’ certainly rings true. It is important that your bedroom is a calming and relaxing space, keep it clean, perhaps invest in a some extra soft pillows and change the lighting. A few small changes to your room can make it a calming environment. And less mess means less distractions.

4. Drink easy
Obvious things like stimulants should be avoided, not just at night but throughout the day. Caffeine and energy drinks are a huge no no, playing havoc with your bodies natural ‘clock’ avoid at all costs. Milk on the other hand contains tryptophan, which when converted into serotonin promote healthy sleep.

5. Watch your diet
What are you eating or snacking on throughout the day? There are numerous foodstuffs that are proven to help sleep. Try increasing the amount of leafy greens you are eating – especially lettuce. Whole grain food such as brown rice and oats are also beneficial as the carbohydrates induce a sleepy feeling. And avoid ‘junk’ type food with no nutritional value, such as biscuits and crisps.

6. Exercise
Pretty self explanatory right? We all know the huge health benefits of exercising, it releases endorphins in the brain and keeps you healthy and fit. But it also tires you out, getting the right amount of exercise a day will help you hit the pillow when it’s time time to sleep.

7. Avoid naps
As tempting as it may seem, napping in the day will not do you any favours. Instead try and keep your self busy and occupied, set yourself a task, go for or walk or try and exercise. Once you have pushed past that sleepy stage it should be much easier to continue with your day and also prepare you for bedtime when it is actually bedtime.

8. Midnight Feast
Eating a big meal before bedtime can hinder your sleeping success. Your body needs time to digest the meal – it may also leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. Try eating at least 4 hours before you sleep to give your body the proper time it needs.

9. Hot stuff
Indulge in a hot bath or shower before you go to bed. Ladies you might even want to have a few drops of pure lavender essential oil in the bath to create a more calming space. The hot water helps soothe tired muscles and prepare your body for the land of nod.

10. Be happy
Okay this doesn’t apply to everyone but if you feel your sleeping problems are produced by to much worry of fear of something, then you need try and work it out. Choose a time in the morning where you can write down issues or things that you are upsetting you and try and write a lost of all the things you can think of to solve these problems. Also try talking it through with someone you trust or even a counsellor may help. Once you have got these issues off your chest you should feel much better and more able to sleep when need be.

Common Sleep Aids for Insomnia

Common Sleep Aids for Insomnia – If you have problems getting the sleep that you need, and have tried every relaxation technique in the book to try to get to sleep at night, only to lie awake night after night, it may be time that you take a sleep aid. You may be afraid that the ingredients in sleep aids could cause negative effects on your health, but there are so many different formulas available to use, you are likely to find one that has no harmful effects on you, and that can help you rest and sleep.

Without the proper amount of sleep each night, our bodies can begin to wear down and it can be difficult to carry on our normal functions each day. Over time, if we are deprived of sleep, or of the amount of sleep that we need, we do have the threat of developing other health conditions. Sleep is one of the most important functions that we can do each day. During sleep, the body rests and rejuvenates. Without the ability to fully rest and get the amount of sleep that we need, it can be difficult to get through a busy day.

Some people find relief from the use of sleep aids. They are available in different formulas, strengths and dosages. There are some that you can find in a drug store and over the counter, while others that are stronger or contain certain ingredients need to be prescribed by a doctor. The kind that works for you may take you trying a few of them until you find the one that does the best. Your doctor can work with you to help decide what kinds may be the most effective, and pose a low threat of developing other negative side effects.

Of course there are natural sleep aids that are also available like melatonin. This common ingredient in natural sleep aids has been working for a lot of people to treat insomnia, and it does not have all of the negative effects like some narcotics and other stronger forms of sleep aids do. Before you try any kind of sleep aid, you want to make sure that you discuss all of the options with your doctor. If you are on any other kinds of medications, your doctor may prescribe another form of sleep aid for you that can work better and be safe for you to use.