OTC and prescription drugs can help treat insomnia and occasional sleeplessness.Understanding the contraindications of certain drugs and taking them properly can help prevent adverse reactions.There are several techniques you can use to improve your sleep.
Step 1: First, treat the underlying conditions.
While prescription sleep aids are a good choice for some people who suffer from insomnia, they are not right for everyone.Before you consider a sleep aid, you should see your doctor to determine if you need medication or other treatment to address underlying conditions.Chronic pain, acid reflux, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome are some of the sleep disorders that interfere with sleep.Depression, anxiety, and stress can interfere with your sleep patterns.
Step 2: All drugs have risks.
There is still no such thing as risk-free sleep aid.All of these medications can cause adverse side effects.If you are considering taking a sleep aid, you should have a discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits.Increasing daytime drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, cognitive impairment, impaired motor coordination, and chemical dependence are some of the effects associated with sleep medication.Complex sleep disorders, such as sleepwalking, driving, making telephone calls, eating, and having sex while not fully awake, are less common side effects of sleeping aids.Sleep aids can cause depression symptoms to get worse.Two sleep aids, Doxepin and Ramelteon, are not thought to have a risk of dependency.
Step 3: When possible, use short-acting drugs.
Ask your doctor if a short-acting drug is right for you if you are considering taking a prescription sleep aid.Side effects with short-acting drugs are less common than they are with long- acting drugs.Ramelteon, Triazolam, Zaleplon and Zolpidem are short-acting drugs.Doxepin is one of the long-acting drugs.Some people may be better off taking long-acting drugs instead of falling asleep.
Step 4: Do you know if it's right for you?
The FDA does not approve antidepressants as sleep aids, but there are some that are approved as sedatives.Patients with both insomnia and depression may benefit from low doses of these drugs.Trazodone, Amitriptyline and Mirtazapine all have sedating effects.
Step 5: You should follow your doctor's instructions.
If you get a prescription for a sleep aid, it's important to follow the instructions carefully.It is possible to cause unwanted side effects by taking too much or too little of the drug.If you feel that the dose is not right for you, don't reduce or increase it without talking to your doctor.If you stop your medication suddenly, it can cause insomnia.
Step 6: If you are older, use caution.
The side effects of prescription sleep aids tend to get worse with age.If you are 50 or older, be careful about taking sleep aids.Older people may be more susceptible to side effects because the body breaks down medication more slowly.If you are 50 or older, you should talk to your doctor about the correct dose as it may be best to take less than the recommended dose to start.
Step 7: You don't want to drive right away.
Because prescription sleeping aids can cause side effects like grogginess, it's a good idea to avoid doing anything that requires a lot of focus until you understand how the drug affects you.Driving and operating machinery are dangerous and should be avoided for at least one day after taking a new sleeping medication.
Step 8: It's a good idea to report complex sleep behaviors.
Drug use can cause people to engage in complex behaviors, such as eating and driving while asleep.People don't remember the events of the next morning when this happens.If you have any reason to believe that you are engaging in any sleep behaviors while taking a prescription sleep aid, please let your doctor know.
Step 9: If you have an allergic reaction, get immediate medical treatment.
Some people have serious allergic reactions to prescription sleep aids.If you experience anaphylaxis or facial swelling, it's important to get medical help right away, as these reactions can interfere with your ability to breathe.
Step 10: Alcohol should not be used as a sleep aid.
It's not a good idea to self-medicate with alcohol when you have trouble falling asleep.You are less likely to wake up feeling refreshed the next morning if you drink alcohol because it makes you feel tired.If you are taking any kind of prescription or over-the-counter sleep aid, you should never drink alcohol.
Step 11: For short periods only, use over-the-counter medications.
It is easy to build up a tolerance to the antihistamines that most of these medications contain, which will render the drugs ineffective for you.Don't take over-the-counter sleep aids for long periods of time if you want to avoid building up a tolerance.
Step 12: Know thecontraindications for OTC sleep aids.
Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are active ingredients in OTC sleep aids.The medications are safe for short-term use, but not for some people.
Step 13: Understand the pros and cons of melatonin.
Melatonin is a sleep-inducing hormone that is produced by the body.Melatonin supplement pills are popular, but they are not right for everyone.People who suffer from jet lag are more likely to benefit from melatonin supplements than people with chronic insomnia.melatonin can cause side effects, such as sleep walking, nausea and next-day drowsiness.melatonin pills are not regulated by the FDA and can vary in potency.Start out with a small amount for sleep.If you can't find a preparation with these doses, it's best to split the pills in half.Start slowly.You can find delayed and immediate release pills, which can help you fine- tune your dosage.Take melatonin about an hour before you plan to go to bed.There are drugs that can interfere with melatonin production.melatonin synthesis and metabolism can be affected by alcohol and caffeine.
Step 14: Get the information on Valerian.
Valerian is used as a sleep aid.It may be effective for some people, but it is not the right choice for everyone and may cause side effects.Valerian is the best option for people with chronic insomnia if they take it regularly for at least two weeks.Side effects include dizziness, headaches, and stomach upset.For women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, for children under three years old, or for people with liver disease, Valerian is not safe.Valerian is not regulated by the FDA, so there are no official recommendations for correct dose.
Step 15: Drug interactions should be avoided.
Over-the-counter sleep aids may interact with prescription drugs.Talk to your doctor about all of the drugs you are taking.Birth control pills can interact with melatonin.Valerian can communicate with St. John's Wort.
Step 16: The temperature can be adjusted.
Most people sleep better when it's not too cold or hot.If you want to sleep better, adjust your thermostat so that the temperature is between 62 and 70F (18.6 to 21.1C) while you sleep.Try different temperatures to find out what works best for you.
Step 17: Pick the right blanket.
The quality of your sleep can be greatly improved by the perfect blanket.You may have to try a few different blankets before you find the right one for you.Heavy blankets can cause you to become too hot at night, which can disrupt your sleep, so a light blanket is ideal.It's possible that heated blankets will cause you to become too hot.If you have allergies, you should wash your blanket weekly in hot water to get rid of any allergens.Weighted blankets are ideal for people who suffer from anxiety, as they provide pressure similar to a hug, making you feel safe.
Step 18: Good sleep hygiene can be promoted with lifestyle changes.
There are a number of simple changes you can make to your lifestyle to encourage sleep.Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, if you are having sleep problems.If you want to sleep a few hours, start with relaxing activities such as a warm bath or shower.Coffee should be avoided in the afternoon and evening.If you nap during the day, you will be less tired at night.To burn energy, exercise regularly.Take care of the amount of stress in your life.
Step 19: Cognitive behavioral therapy can be tried.
If you don't want to take any medication, you may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy.This kind of therapy will teach you better sleep habits and help you identify the things that are keeping you from sleeping well.The root cause of your sleeplessness can be addressed with cognitive behavioral therapy.You can learn relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation.