We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Common Treatments for Insomnia?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,458
Share

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder in which an individual has trouble falling asleep or remaining asleep, resulting in daytime fatigue that can negatively impact many facets of life. The best treatments for insomnia depend on whether the condition is a symptom of another issue, such as a health problem or stimulant usage, or if it occurs on its own. If insomnia is secondary, or caused by another issue, treatment usually involves addressing that issue through medical intervention or the limitation of stimulating substances. In the case of primary insomnia, or sleep difficulty which is not caused by another issue, treatment often involves modifying sleep-related behavior to improve the individual’s ability to sleep as well as sleep quality. If behavioral treatment proves unsuccessful, a short-term course of medication may help to re-establish normal sleeping habits.

The most common treatments for insomnia that is secondary depend on what is causing the insomnia. If it is caused by pain or discomfort resulting from an underlying health condition such as chronic heartburn or arthritis, the sufferer should seek treatment for that underlying condition. By managing the discomfort associated with the underlying issue, he may soon find that his sleep has improved.

Sometimes, secondary insomnia results from the use of stimulants or other substances that can negatively affect sleep quality, such as caffeine or alcohol. Treatments for insomnia of this nature include forgoing caffeinated beverages like coffee after 4 p.m. and restricting alcohol intake. In some cases, the body may be stimulated by physical activity rather than by a substance. It is recommended that those prone to insomnia avoid exercising in the hours before bedtime.

Treatments for insomnia that occurs on its own commonly revolve around behavior modification. The goal of this treatment is to banish insomnia through small changes to the sufferer’s nighttime behavior and sleep environment, making sleeping a relaxing and mentally satisfying experience. One’s sleep environment may be improved by eliminating noise and light and by using comfortable, breathable bedding. Additionally, the insomnia sufferer may be encouraged to avoid using his bed for activities that are not related to sleep. Instead of lying awake worrying about a work project, for instance, he should leave the room and make a to-do list, and then return to bed once his worries have been purged.

If behavioral treatments for insomnia prove ineffective, a physician might prescribe a short-term course of sleeping medication to help re-establish normal sleeping habits. As patients can sometimes become dependent on these sleeping medications, however, many physicians view them as a last resort. Patients should also be aware that these medications can sometimes cause abnormal behaviors, such as walking or eating while asleep.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-common-treatments-for-insomnia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.