When Sleep is Elusive
Insomnia, Sleep Disorders and Sleeping Pills.
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The 2009 Sleep in America poll finds that nearly a third of Americans are losing sleep because they’re worried about the economy and personal finances. It’s just one of the many things keeping us awake at night.
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s annual poll, our collective insomnia seems to be getting worse over the years, probably the result of our increasingly stressful lives. Sleep challenges also tend to increase with age and our society is aging.
Sixty-four percent of Americans polled report trouble sleeping at least a few nights a week. The number of Americans sleeping less than six hours a night has reached 20 percent. And the number of those sleeping at least eight hours a night has dropped to 28 percent.
Occasional insomnia isn’t a great cause of concern, but if you suffer from a chronic lack of sleep that impacts your daily life, it may be time to see a doctor.
Sleep Disordered Breathing includes snoring and sleep apnea, which are more common in people who are older or overweight. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that interrupts your breathing and requires medical treatment.
Restless Leg Syndrome is more common in older people. The condition is characterized by leg discomfort or itching, which causes people to move or kick their limbs and leads to poor quality sleep.
If not, ask your doctor if prescription or nonprescription drugs might be beneficial. Here are some of the most popular sleep aids.
**Experts recommend lifestyle changes as the best long-term solution to sleep problems, but sleep aids can get you through a stressful night or other short-term insomnia**
Prescription sleeping pills:
Ambien (Zolpidem)
Lunesta (Eszopiclone)
Sonata (Zaleplon)
Anti-anxiety drugs
Antidepressants
Over-the-counter Sleep Aids:
Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Sominex and Tylenol PM
Natural Remedies:
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle and some people take it to help them sleep or to lessen the effect of jet lag.
*Melatonin is a supplement and is not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration.
According to the National Sleep Foundation’s annual poll, our collective insomnia seems to be getting worse over the years, probably the result of our increasingly stressful lives. Sleep challenges also tend to increase with age and our society is aging.
Sixty-four percent of Americans polled report trouble sleeping at least a few nights a week. The number of Americans sleeping less than six hours a night has reached 20 percent. And the number of those sleeping at least eight hours a night has dropped to 28 percent.
Occasional insomnia isn’t a great cause of concern, but if you suffer from a chronic lack of sleep that impacts your daily life, it may be time to see a doctor.
Common Sleep Disorders
Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.Sleep Disordered Breathing includes snoring and sleep apnea, which are more common in people who are older or overweight. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that interrupts your breathing and requires medical treatment.
Restless Leg Syndrome is more common in older people. The condition is characterized by leg discomfort or itching, which causes people to move or kick their limbs and leads to poor quality sleep.
Common Treatments for Insomnia
If you believe the television commercials, it might seem like sleeping pills are the answer. However – like all drugs – sleep aids have side effects, including addiction. If you can solve your sleep issues without drugs, you’ll be better off and you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed (see Sleep Tips).If not, ask your doctor if prescription or nonprescription drugs might be beneficial. Here are some of the most popular sleep aids.
**Experts recommend lifestyle changes as the best long-term solution to sleep problems, but sleep aids can get you through a stressful night or other short-term insomnia**
Prescription sleeping pills:
Ambien (Zolpidem)
Lunesta (Eszopiclone)
Sonata (Zaleplon)
Anti-anxiety drugs
Antidepressants
Over-the-counter Sleep Aids:
Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Sominex and Tylenol PM
Natural Remedies:
Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle and some people take it to help them sleep or to lessen the effect of jet lag.
*Melatonin is a supplement and is not regulated by the Food & Drug Administration.
