Sleep Treatment Options

Just as insomnia is different for everyone, so are the many methods people try to get back to sleep.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Talking about issues that keep you awake and training yourself to relax using different ways to control your breathing, heart rate, muscles, and mood are a few non-medical methods some people use to attain sleep. This type of therapy may involve 2 or 3 months of weekly sessions to achieve success.

Alternative and Complementary Remedies

Supplements like L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian root may be appealing to some because they are considered "natural" in certain circles. However, in large controlled clinical studies, they have demonstrated inconsistent results for treating insomnia. They are also not strictly regulated by the government; this means that their dose and purity can vary.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications usually fall into the category of antihistamines, the same kind of medicine used to treat allergies. These medications are effective in helping some people fall asleep. These antihistamines are known to cause daytime drowsiness, diminished cognitive function, and delirium, the latter a concern with elderly users. Other adverse effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation. These medications are not indicated for long-term use.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medications used in the treatment of insomnia run the gamut from sedative hypnotics to antidepressants to a melatonin receptor agonist.

• Sedative hypnotics are effective in treating insomnia in the short term, helping patients fall asleep and stay asleep. However, they can cause residual daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, balance problems, rebound insomnia, and dependence. The latter side effect means that you can become addicted to these medications.
• Antidepressants are not indicated for use in treating insomnia but are sometimes prescribed by physicians for insomnia. These drugs, including trazodone, are known to have sedating effects and have been shown to improve sleep in some respects; however, they have not been studied for long-term use in chronic insomnia. There are also side effects associated with these medications.
• Melatonin receptor agonist has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, even for long-term use as it shows no evidence of leading to abuse or dependence. This medication is effective in helping patients fall asleep faster, and the majority of people who try it wake up ready to take on the day. The melatonin receptor agonist Rozerem works with your body's internal clock to promote sleep. As with other sleep products, until you know how you'll react to a melatonin receptor agonist, you should avoid engaging in hazardous activities that require concentration, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Additionally, the melatonin receptor agonist has been associated with certain effects, including changes in hormones. Talk to your doctor about how this may affect you.

See Commonly Used Sleep Aids