How do I cure insomnia?

The average adult needs eight hours of sound sleep each night. However, most adults get between six and seven hours. This falls short of the recommended amount by one to two hours. Unbeknownst to many, this one to two hours of sleep that is lost each night can have a profound affect on one's health.

Insomnia is described as having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early and can be caused by any number of things. Some of the more common reasons insomnia occurs are stress, depression, anxiety, pain and even some medications can be the culprit. Medical conditions such as sleep apnea can also cause insomnia. Sleep apnea is more commonly known as the stoppage of breathing while sleeping.

Your mind and body need time to recoup after a day of living. No matter what you do, working, playing or just sitting around, your mind and body can only withstand so much. Without sleep, your mind doesn't work as clearly, you feel physically drained, and you will be less able to cope with every day stresses.

For most, rearranging one's sleep habits will more than likely solve the insomnia problem. As a child, you were more than likely trained by your parents or caregiver how to sleep. As strange as this sounds, you were put to bed in your bed when it was time to sleep. This routine trained your body and mind, hence your sleep habits were formed. However, sleep habits change. A change in sleep habit can occur for any reason and should be treated promptly to avoid problems with insomnia.

There are many things one who suffers from insomnia can do. A simple lifestyle change is more than likely all that is needed. Some examples would be to make time to just relax, not necessarily sleep, but some wind down time. Take a warm bath, or read a book, boring ones seem to work best at getting you to sleep. Listening to calming music or drinking a cup of chamomile tea also helps. Avoid working out four hours before bedtime and avoid cigarettes and caffeine.

If for some reason a lifestyle change is not the answer for you, seeing a doctor or physician may be the order of the day. He or she will be better able to diagnose your symptoms and come to a conclusion for treatment. Some of the treatments your physician may suggest would include:

*over the counter medications

*dietary supplements

*prescription sleep aids

For people that require an over the counter medication to induce sleep there is a wide variety to choose from. Sominex and Unisom are two of the most common. They contain antihistamines that cause drowsiness. Tylenol PM can help with pain and also induce sleep if the cause of your insomnia is pain. If you happen to have a cold that is keeping you awake, some cold medications will help with sleep.

Also available without a prescription are dietary supplements. Supplements that contain the herb melatonin or valerian are particularly helpful. Melatonin is thought to play a key role in the brain's ability to know when it is time to sleep. Valerian is thought to have a calming affect. Understand that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not regulate these types of products and you should consult with a physician on the proper method of treatment.

As a last resort, your physician may prescribe a sleep aid. These drugs are know to many as hypnotics. They slow the central nervous system. Drugs such as Valium and Klonopin are benzodiazepines. Then there are nonbenzodiazepines such as Ambien and Sonata. If you suffer from anxiety, your doctor will be more likely prescribe a benzodiazepines type medication. This type of medication will cut the time it takes to fall asleep and reduce anxiety symptoms.

No matter what the cause of your sleep problems, it is always advisable to consult with a physician that knows how to treat the problem properly. It may take some experimenting, but once you get treatment, you will be on your way to a better night's sleep every night.