Prescription sleep medicines can be bad for you

Nov 16th, 2011
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Most insomnia goes away on its own once the stressful event in your life goes away. Or you go back to your normal routine lifestyle. But others need medical attention. Most people will use over-the-counter sleep aids for a period of time. If those failed to help in the long term, they seek professional help. Doctors usually prescribe sleep medicines. Prescription sleep medicines can help some people get much-needed rest. Most sleep medicines are used for short-term treatment, though some people with severe chronic insomnia may benefit from longer treatment. It is important to understand the risks before using a sleep medicine. In some cases, sleep medicines may:

  • Become habit-forming
  • Mask medical problems that may be causing the insomnia, and delay treatment
  • Interact with other medicines you use and cause serious health problems
  • Cause grogginess or rebound insomnia, where the sleeping problems get worse

Uncommon side-effects of sleep medicines include:

  • Severe allergic reactions or facial swelling
  • High blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion, or short-term memory loss
  • Complex sleep-related behaviors, such as binge eating or driving while asleep

 

Source:  The Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

Posted in: Insomnia Causes, Sleep, Sleep Disorders.
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When should I talk to a doctor about my insomnia?

Nov 2nd, 2011
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Most insomnia is caused by a short-term change in the sleep/wake schedule, as with jet lag, your sleep schedule may return to normal on its own. If you’re under stress at work or school, insomnia usually occurs for a few days to several weeks. But if the condition worsens, or prolongs, you should talk to your doctor. Many people call their doctor even when insomnia lasts just a few days because the condition interferes with their daily life.

Talk to your doctor if you are having problems falling or staying asleep, especially if lack of sleep is affecting your daily activities. Keep a sleep diary for 2 weeks before you see your doctor. Note the time of day you fall asleep and wake up, changes in your daily sleep routine, your bedtime routine, and how you feel during the day.

Your doctor may do a physical exam and take medical and sleep histories. He or she may also want to talk to your bed partner about how much and how well you are sleeping. In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist or a sleep center for special tests.

 

Source:  the Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

Posted in: Insomnia Causes, Insomnia Symptoms, Sleep Disorders.
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Research shows that Women are more likely to have insomnia than men

Oct 18th, 2011
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Although anyone at any age can suffer from insomnia. It can be triggered by stress in life or other factors. Sometimes frequent overseas traveling can cause it. Most of time the symptoms go away on its own. Research shows that women are more likely to have insomnia than men. One reason is that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and menopause can affect sleep. During perimenopause, women may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Hot flashes and night sweats often can disturb sleep. The sleepless is one the most bothersome symptoms for women who are going through menopause. Because it interferes with daily life. Around age 45-50, many women juggle careers, teenage children and elderly parents. Insomnia just adds more trouble. Some people find it impossible to manage it all.

Other times, during pregnancy, hormonal, physical, and emotional changes can also disturb sleep. Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, may wake up frequently due to discomfort, leg cramps, or needing to use the bathroom.

Some medical conditions that can cause secondary insomnia also are more common in women than men. These include depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and some sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome.

If you notice prolonged symptoms, talk to your doctor, there’s always something they can do to relieve the discomfort. If you find it impossible to function during the day due to lack of sleep, you really shouldn’t suffer. During the current economical time, many women find it even harder to cope with stress. A good night’s sleep is a must in order to stay positive and care for yourself and your family.

Source: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 

Posted in: Insomnia Symptoms, Sleep, Sleep Disorders.
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What are the different types of insomnia and what causes them?

Oct 4th, 2011
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There are 2 types of insomnia:

  • Primary insomnia is not a symptom or side-effect of another medical condition. It is its own disorder. It may be life-long or triggered by travel, shift work, stressful life events, or other factors that disrupt your sleep routine. Primary insomnia may end once the issue is resolved, or can last for years. Some people tend to be prone to primary insomnia.
  • Secondary insomnia has an underlying cause, so it’s a symptom or side-effect of something else. It is the most common type. Secondary insomnia may have a medical cause, such as:
    • Depression or anxiety
    • Chronic pain such as from fibromyalgia, migraine, or arthritis
    • Gastrointestinal problems such as heartburn
    • Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome
    • Stroke
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Menopause

    Secondary insomnia also can result from:

    • Some medicines, such as those that treat asthma, heart problems, allergies, and colds
    • Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
    • Poor sleep environment (such as too much light or noise, or a bed partner who snores)

    Secondary insomnia often goes away once the underlying cause is treated, but may become a primary insomnia.

Some people with primary or secondary insomnia form habits to deal with the lack of sleep, such as worrying about sleep or going to bed too early. These habits can make insomnia worse or last longer.

 

Source: The Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

Posted in: Insomnia Causes, Secondary Insomnia.
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What is insomnia?

Sep 22nd, 2011
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Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. If you have insomnia, you may:

  • Lie awake for a long time and have trouble falling asleep
  • Wake up a lot and have trouble returning to sleep
  • Wake up too early in the morning
  • Feel like you haven’t slept at all

Lack of or poor quality sleep causes other symptoms that can affect daytime function. You may feel very sleepy and have low energy throughout the day. You may have trouble thinking clearly or staying focused. Or, you might feel depressed or irritable.

Insomnia is defined as short and poor quality sleep that affects your functioning during the day. Although the amount of sleep a person needs varies, most people need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night to feel refreshed.

Insomnia can be mild to severe and varies in how often it occurs and how long it lasts. Acute insomnia is a short-term sleep problem that is generally related to a stressful or traumatic life event and lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Acute insomnia might happen from time to time. With chronic insomnia, sleep problems occur at least 3 nights a week for more than a month.

Insomnia tends to increase as women and men age.

 

Source: Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health.

Posted in: Insomnia Causes.
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Most people suffer from comorbid insomnia

Jan 31st, 2011
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There are two types of insomnia. The most common type is called secondary or comorbid insomnia. Most often, people suffer from comorbid insomnia. This type is usually caused by some other health problems.

More than 8 out of 10 people who have insomnia are believed to have secondary insomnia. Certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can also cause secondary insomnia. Insomnia can make a person’s life miserable as you can feel irritable and lack energy during the day. It can affect your ability to work, study, and carry on tasks. Sometimes even the simplest life tasks become impossible.

Other than making your life miserable, insomnia can also cause big damages. Accidents can happen if you’re sleepy most of the day. If your insomnia lasts more than a week, seek professional help right away. There are medications and other ways to help. Talk to your doctor.


Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Posted in: Insomnia Causes, Insomnia Symptoms, Secondary Insomnia, Sleep Disorders.
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Waking up too early is a sign of insomnia?

Dec 31st, 2010
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Most people experience temporary insomnia from time to time. You don’t have to worry about it. Stress at work, loss of a job, or financial problems can cause insomnia. But if it lasts more than a few weeks, you need to see your doctor. Insomnia is more common in females, people with depression, and in people older than 60. Typically, insomnia symptoms includes having trouble falling asleep; waking up frequently at night; waking up too early.

Although older people tend to wake up more frequently and wake up too early, it is a sign of insomnia if it persists even if there are no significant life events to trigger such. As mentioned above, any of the symptoms lasts for more than a few weeks and it bothers you and affects your daily activities, talk to your doctor.

Source: FDA

Posted in: Insomnia Causes, Insomnia Symptoms, Sleep Disorders.
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Don’t stay on bed if you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes

Nov 29th, 2010
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If you can’t fall asleep within 20 minutes or don’t feel drowsy, get out of bed and sit in your bedroom or another room. The harder you try, the harder to fall asleep. Read or do a quiet activity until you feel sleepy. Don’t read books that might keep you reading, read encyclopedia or technical books. Then try going back to bed.

Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. If light is a problem, try a sleeping mask. If noise is a problem, try earplugs, a fan, or a “white noise” machine to cover up the sounds. Bedrooms should be used only to sleep. Don’t bring laptop to your bedroom as web surfing can keep you awake.

Source: Office on Women’s Health Office at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Posted in: Sleep, Sleep Disorders.
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How do I make myself sleep better naturally?

Oct 1st, 2010
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Although for chronic insomnia, you need medical help from doctor, there are some ways you can make yourself sleep better naturally. Without the help of medication. First one is the same rule we try to get babies do. Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Do not take naps after 3 p.m. If you drink tea, alcohol, or coffee, or smoke, do not take them at night.

The next one is old, get regular exercise. But don’t exercise right before bedtime. Never eat your dinner too late or too much. Don’t use bright lights in the bedroom and keep it quiet. If you like music, only play relaxing and soft music. Hot baths help just about everyone. Take a long and hot bath before bed and read a book.

The last tip is never go to bed worrying about something. Solve the issues or forget about it before you go to bed.

Source:  Office on Women’s Health in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health

Posted in: Secondary Insomnia, Sleep, Sleep Disorders.
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Unfortunately women do suffer more insomnia than men

Sep 18th, 2010
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It’s unfortunate, but women tend to suffer more frequent insomnia than men. One of the major factor is hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The second big factor is menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats usually keep women awake at night and sleeps disturbed.

The third one is pregnancy. During pregnancy, women tend to wake up more often due to discomfort or simply to use the bathroom.

Lastly, other health issues such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome tend to be more common in women than men.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Posted in: Insomnia Causes, Sleep, Sleep Disorders.
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