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Understanding Insomnia and Its Treatment

Do you find yourself struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep? If so, you may suffer from insomnia. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Many who suffer from it do not understand the cause or how to treat it.

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. People suffering from insomnia have a tendency to wake up frequently during the night, often struggling to regain sleep. Those affected by insomnia typically feel sleepy during the day or have a decrease in energy.

The most common cause of insomnia is stress. However, insomnia may be associated with medical conditions, anxiety, depression, or lifestyle habits. Sometimes, insomnia may even have no clear cause.

There are several ways to treat insomnia, most of which do not involve prescription medicine. The first step is to adjust lifestyle habits in order to improve sleep. It is important to set a regular sleep schedule, limit naps, and engage in calming activities close to bedtime. Additionally, limiting caffeine and nicotine consumption can help improve sleep.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be used to address chronic insomnia. This type of therapy is based on the idea that changing how people think and behave can help to improve the quality of their sleep.

If lifestyle changes and CBT do not help, doctors may recommend over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the Pineal gland, is available as an over-the-counter supplement. Some doctors may prescribe short-term prescription drugs to help sleep.

If you suspect you may suffer from insomnia, it is important to consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Understanding the cause of insomnia and taking steps to offset the condition are important in managing it.