Insomnia Medications – Are They Effective & Are Insomnia Medications Safe?
Insomnia medications can be purchased without a prescription. Are insomnia drugs better than more natural methods of treating insomnia? Some experts would say no.
Here you'll learn about the more common insomnia medications along with details on natural insomnia treatments that may be a better option.
If you suffer from any type of insomnia, mild to severe, you will encounter sleepless nights. If you wake up often during the night and still get out of bed early, it can be said that you are suffering from some type of insomnia.
A very large majority of adults will suffer from insomnia at some point leading to a search for effective insomnia medicine. Insomnia can come on suddenly and be a problem each night for weeks or it can happen just for a couple nights now and then.
"Medications For Insomnia Are Not Needed If..."
You keep on a consistent schedule. This means eating at the same time each day and eating your last meal of the day at least 3 hours before bedtime. This will help you to condition your body and get it ready for sleep. If you have a full stomach at bedtime you won't be able to fall asleep.
Avoid drinking coffee and other caffeine containing products. If at all possible, try to stay away from the following products: coffee, colas, chocolate, cocoa, green tea, or any other tea for that matter.
All of the above mentioned products contain caffeine and will cause a certain amount of insomnia for most people.
Caffeine is of course a stimulant and in some people it can prevent sleeping for as much as twenty hours, depending of course on the amount of caffeine ingested. Caffeine can have a very dramatic affect on a lot of people. If you are caffeine sensitive just one cup of coffee taken early in the day can cause insomnia.
Don't exercise at night. Exercising before bedtime will keep you awake for hours. You should exercise, because it helps to eliminate stress and keep you healthy, but do it earlier in the day.
Make sure your bedroom is right for sleeping. Try to ensure that you can't hear street noise or music. Also ensure that your room is dark enough and that no bright lights can penetrate in. If you have an uncomfortable bed, get a new one.
It's better to read rather than watch t.v. If you can, read a book instead of sitting down in front of a television. Watching television at night can enhances your attention; which in turn will keep you awake. Reading, however, tends to make most people tired and sleepy.
Learn to take some time to sit back and relax. Meditation techniques such as yoga can help in this respect as will listening to softer or classical music. Some people also us things such as fragrant oils, incense, and candles to help them relax. You could try these techniques as well.
Natural herbs or treatments for insomnia.
There are many types of
natural alternatives to medications for insomnia
and other insomnia products you can take that may help with your situation. These include products that include ingredients like chamomile, passionflower and balm made from lemon.
Melatonin
Melatonin can help you to adjust your sleeping pattern. It's been suggested that 0.5 to 3.0 mg taken about an hour or two before going to bed may help. But only take melatonin with the advice of your doctor. Different people react in different ways to melatonin.
As you get older, the amount of melatonin in your body will decrease. This is partially why older people can have a tougher time getting to sleep and a tougher time staying asleep.
Magnesium
Restless legs syndrome periodic limb movements while you are asleep can cause insomnia. It's been suggested to taking 300 mg of magnesium each night for 4-6 weeks to help. However, only try this if your doctor says you should.
Acupuncture
Many people try acupuncture to try and alleviate the symptoms of insomnia.
"Over The Counter Insomnia Drugs"
Insomnia medicine - Diphenhydramine (Excedrin, Nytol, Sominex)
Insomnia medicine - Doxylamine (Unisom)
"Insomnia Drugs That Need A Doctors Prescription"
Insomnia medications - Zolpidem (Ambien)
Insomnia medications - Zaleplon (Sonata)
Insomnia medications - Flurazepam (Dalmane)
Insomnia medications - Estazolam (ProSom)
Insomnia medications - Temazepam (Restori)
Insomnia medications - Triazolam (Halcion)
Although these medications for insomnia help to initiate sleep, long-term usage will reduce the effects.
Another alternative to insomnia drugs that you can try is changing your diet. Check with a nutritionist for guidelines.
Getting advice from a psychologist or psychiatrist may help you to eliminate your insomnia symptoms.
Insomnia causes stress
and stress causes insomnia so it's possible that a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you in this regard.
There are many natural insomnia treatments and medications for insomnia that can be the solution to your insomnia symptoms but as always, you should consult your doctor before making any decisions.