Insomnia may increase your risk of health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and anxiety. It can be managed through lifestyle changes or medications.
Almost everyone experiences insomnia from time to time. Factors such as stress, jet lag, or even diet can affect your ability to get high quality sleep.
For more serious cases, addressing the underlying cause can improve your sleep quality. Treating insomnia is important, as insomnia can increase your risk for other health concerns.
There are serious health effects associated with chronic insomnia.
According to the
Individuals with anxiety may be more prone to insomnia. Insomnia can also increase your risk of developing anxiety or worsen existing anxiety.
Insomnia can also affect your memory. A
Individuals with insomnia may also have a higher risk of getting into traffic accidents compared to individuals without insomnia.
Insomnia can have a variety of lifestyle causes, such as:
- age
- shift or night work
- exposure to noise or light during the night
- uncomfortable room temperature
- jet lag
- irregular sleep schedule
- napping during the day
- lack of exercise
- caffeine
- electronic use close to bedtime
- stress
Medical causes for insomnia can
- mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- cancer
- stroke
- neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
- certain medications
- chronic pain
- restless leg syndrome
- menopause
- pregnancy
- asthma or obstructive sleep apnea
There are many strategies for treating insomnia. Before you talk with a doctor about medications, you may consider trying to make
Lifestyle changes for better sleep
- Establishing a regular sleep schedule
- Ensuring the bedroom is quiet and set at a cool temperature
- Avoiding electronic use at least 30 minutes before bedtime
- Abstaining from large meals before bedtime
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime
- Obtaining regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
Melatonin supplements
Melatonin is an over-the-counter hormone can help regulate sleep by telling your body that it’s time for bed. Taking melatonin may help you
Even though it is available without a prescription, talk with your doctor before taking melatonin. Your doctor will be able to advise you on if melatonin is appropriate with your individual health needs in mind.
Your doctor may advise you to start with a 2 mg dose 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed. They may also advise you to not take it every night, in order to see if it improves your sleep. Then, depending on your needs, they may increase the dose up to 10 mg.
Some mild side effects have been reported for higher doses and extended-release options. These may
If you experience any of these effects after taking melatonin, talk to your doctor.
Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that melatonin is
Sleep medication
If lifestyle changes are not working, you may consider talking with your doctor. They will look for underlying causes and may prescribe sleep medication. They’ll also advise you on how long you should take any medication, if needed.
It is not recommended to take sleeping pills on a long-term basis.
Some of the prescription medications that a doctor may prescribe
- estazolam
- zolpidem (Zolpimist)
- zaleplon (Sonata)
- ramelteon (Rozerem)
- eszopiclone (Lunesta)
These prescription pills may cause adverse effects, such as:
- dizziness
- diarrhea and nausea
- drowsiness
- severe allergic reactions
- memory problems
If you experience any adverse effects, talk to your doctor. They may recommend switching to a different medication or help you find alternatives to medication.
Although it’s common to have insomnia from time to time, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor if the lack of sleep is negatively affecting your life.
As part of the diagnostic process, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms.
They will also want to know about any medications you take and your overall medical history. This is to see if there’s an underlying cause for your insomnia. If there is, your doctor will treat that condition first.
Insomnia may increase your risk for conditions such as heart disease, depression, and diabetes. It can also negatively impact your memory and increase your risk of an accident.
Some lifestyle changes you can make to manage insomnia include establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine before bed, and getting regular exercise.
However, if these changes do not work, you may consider asking your doctor about prescription sleep medications.