sleep

[D. N. Kruse]

There are sleep disorders like sleep apnea which have definite physical causes, and then there are sleep disorders like onset insomnia which are caused by psychological factors. The second category of sleep disorders is actually more easily treated. With the use of herbal supplements sleep disorders caused by insomnia are effectively treated, though far too many people immediately go for prescription drugs. Sleep disorders do not always require these sorts of drugs, and ideally they should be reserved for only the most difficult and severe cases. Relaxation techniques, change of lifestyle and cognitive therapy can all be very effective in treating anxiety related sleep disorders. The problem with using Ambien to get to sleep is it can be hard to stop, and it can also lead to overdose if not used properly. This is because of the immediate euphoric feeling associated with it can become very addictive. For mild to moderate sleep disorders other methods should first be considered. Sweet dreams.

Has insomnia tortured you to the point where you are looking into sleep aids? If so you are definitely not alone, it is estimated that more than 35 million Americans suffer from long term insomnia and require a sleep aids to get the sleep they need to function. Unfortunately in many cases sleep aids actually impair function, and leave the user worse off than before he or she began to use them. Benzodiazepines like Xanax, as well as non-benzodiazepine sleep aids like Ambien carry with them life-disrupting side effects. Before resorting to prescription sleep aids there are lifestyle changes you can try; cut down on coffee and cigarettes, especially before bedtime. Flipping your mattress, adjusting room temperature and trying to drown out noise can all be used in place of sleep aids. If those don't work the next step should be herbal sleep aids which provide relief without side effects, addiction or overdose. Herbal sleep aids are more effective that a lot of people give them credit for. Only after you have tried all of these or determined that the insomnia is caused by a serious physical problem should you consider prescription sleep aids.

Who needs to use a sleep aid and exactly what insomnia is, is quite relative to the person. Both age and the individual will determine the amount of sleep that is needed. If a twenty five year old is getting four and a half hours of sleep per night a sleep aid would most likely be recommended whereas if a seventy five year old is getting the same amount of sleep it would be much closer to the normal range. This is why insomnia is defined as a disturbance in regular sleeping patterns and a sleep aid will only be given if it is outside what is normal for that person. Besides taking a sleep aid you can try to exercise during the day (but not right before bed), you can flip the mattress or try to focus on pleasant relaxing thoughts. This does not always work and sometimes anxiety related insomnia has to be treated with a sleep aid. Even in this case a sleep aid with herbs such as St. John's Wort and Valerian Root are much safer than any prescription sleep aid.

For more information visit my sleep news, articles and reviews site.