How to Treat Transient Insomnia
There are several different ways to treat insomnia. Finding the right treatment may take some time for each person has varying reasons for having insomnia, and they also have different preferences in terms of treatment. The initial remedy for insomnia is usually improving sleeping habits. When this doesn’t work, they may incorporate activities into their daily routine to help induce sleep at night. Some of these activities include exercise, proper eating habits and even moving distracting objects from their room to another room.
Behavioral Remedies
Proper sleeping habits are usually the first technique which people use in order to get some sleep. Ranging from relatively simple to extreme, these sleep hygiene tips have been effective in eliminating transient insomnia for some people. The top tips which have been effective include:
When these top tips for getting sleep fail to eliminate insomnia, consulting a therapist may be the next step. Behavioral therapy for insomnia includes relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, mediation and guided imagery to help patients relax before going to sleep. Sleep restriction, a controversial form of behavioral therapy, involves keeping the patient from going to sleep for a several weeks to allow them to restore their body’s natural drive to sleep.
Non-Prescription Medication
Several non-prescription medications contain antihistamines which cause drowsiness. Antihistamines were originally formulated to combat allergic reactions like sneezing, watery eyes and swelling of affected body parts. But due to its tranquilizing side effect, it has become a common sleep aid. Antihistamines may be easy to procure, but its disadvantages include daytime drowsiness, blurred vision and even cognitive impairment. Other non-prescription forms of insomnia medication or dietary supplements and herbal medicines must be further studied to learn the extent of their effectiveness.
Prescription Medication
Benzodiazepine hypnotics were once the most commonly prescribed sedatives for insomniacs. However, due to their high risk of tolerance and dependence, as well as very unfavorable side effects, non-benzodiazepine have taken their place as the most common choice. The following are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and some of their well-known brand names:
None of these drugs may be procured without a doctor’s prescription. They are considered controlled substances, because the abuse and misuse of these drugs may cause accidents and even long-term effects. It’s important to consult a doctor when experiencing any unnatural side effects while taking any of these medications.
A licensed physician, such as a psychiatrist, may prescribe Lunesta to treat transient insomnia. The Lunesta dosage which a doctor will prescribe depends on several factors:
Depending on these factors, the Lunesta dosage given by a physician may be 1mg, 2mg or 3mg. Each Lunesta dosage has different effects on different people, but some general rules apply to all patients who take Lunesta:
Transient insomnia treatment may take a few days to 3 weeks. Once the physician tells a patient to discontinue with the Lunesta dosage, there may be an observation period to see if normal sleeping habits return. If that is the case, the patient may stop using Lunesta indefinitely; however, if the insomnia persists, a different dosage or medication may be prescribed.
Behavioral Remedies
Proper sleeping habits are usually the first technique which people use in order to get some sleep. Ranging from relatively simple to extreme, these sleep hygiene tips have been effective in eliminating transient insomnia for some people. The top tips which have been effective include:
- Avoiding caffeine 4 hours before bed.
- Avoiding naps in the evening.
- Avoiding looking at the clock, since counting the hours of sleep left may cause more anxiety.
- Doing some relaxing activities like reading, going for a walk or listening to some
music 30 minutes before going to bed. - Renovating the bedroom to remove distracting items such as the TV, computers and anything related to work or school.
When these top tips for getting sleep fail to eliminate insomnia, consulting a therapist may be the next step. Behavioral therapy for insomnia includes relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, mediation and guided imagery to help patients relax before going to sleep. Sleep restriction, a controversial form of behavioral therapy, involves keeping the patient from going to sleep for a several weeks to allow them to restore their body’s natural drive to sleep.
Non-Prescription Medication
Several non-prescription medications contain antihistamines which cause drowsiness. Antihistamines were originally formulated to combat allergic reactions like sneezing, watery eyes and swelling of affected body parts. But due to its tranquilizing side effect, it has become a common sleep aid. Antihistamines may be easy to procure, but its disadvantages include daytime drowsiness, blurred vision and even cognitive impairment. Other non-prescription forms of insomnia medication or dietary supplements and herbal medicines must be further studied to learn the extent of their effectiveness.
Prescription Medication
Benzodiazepine hypnotics were once the most commonly prescribed sedatives for insomniacs. However, due to their high risk of tolerance and dependence, as well as very unfavorable side effects, non-benzodiazepine have taken their place as the most common choice. The following are non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and some of their well-known brand names:
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Zaleplon (Sonata)
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
- Ramelteon (Rozerem)
None of these drugs may be procured without a doctor’s prescription. They are considered controlled substances, because the abuse and misuse of these drugs may cause accidents and even long-term effects. It’s important to consult a doctor when experiencing any unnatural side effects while taking any of these medications.
A licensed physician, such as a psychiatrist, may prescribe Lunesta to treat transient insomnia. The Lunesta dosage which a doctor will prescribe depends on several factors:
- Age
- Existing medical conditions
- Other medications the patient is taking
Depending on these factors, the Lunesta dosage given by a physician may be 1mg, 2mg or 3mg. Each Lunesta dosage has different effects on different people, but some general rules apply to all patients who take Lunesta:
- The patient must stay in bed as soon as the Lunesta dosage is taken since it works very quickly.
- Lunesta should be taken with water alone, and never with food.
- Increasing or decreasing the Lunesta dosage must be done with the consent of a physician.
Transient insomnia treatment may take a few days to 3 weeks. Once the physician tells a patient to discontinue with the Lunesta dosage, there may be an observation period to see if normal sleeping habits return. If that is the case, the patient may stop using Lunesta indefinitely; however, if the insomnia persists, a different dosage or medication may be prescribed.