We’ve all struggled with sleep issues at some point in our lives. Insomnia, however, is a more serious problem. It’s medically defined as taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep and then waking up within six hours. It’s incredibly frustrating because you end up lying awake, counting the seconds, knowing that a lack of sleep will ruin the following day. Insomnia can lead to depression, anxiety, and intense fatigue, making it essential to seek help.
So, what can you do to deal with this exhausting condition? Here are some options that might help you say goodbye to sleepless nights.
### Sleeping Tablets
There are plenty of sleeping tablets available, ranging from herbal to medicinal. They generally work by reducing the anxiety linked to falling asleep, which can help you doze off more easily. However, there’s a risk of becoming dependent on these pills, and they don’t address the root cause of your insomnia.
### Hypnosis
Hypnosis aims to fix the root of your insomnia rather than just masking it. Over several sessions, a therapist will work to reset your body clock so you can sleep better. This treatment tailors to your specific type of insomnia and its original cause, offering a better chance of overcoming your sleep issues.
### Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT focuses on eliminating thoughts and behaviors that prevent proper sleep. This might involve associating your bedroom solely with sleep and only going to bed when you’re truly tired. It also helps reduce any sleep-related tension. Your GP can provide CBT, or you might be referred to a specialist for this treatment.
### Almorexant
Almorexant is a drug that was developed between 2007 and 2011 but was abandoned in early 2011 due to side effects. The idea behind this drug was to block the brain’s wakefulness signals, allowing for a good night’s sleep, with the effects wearing off after about eight hours. While promising, the drug had issues because the pathways it affected are involved in other behaviors, not just sleep. More research is needed before such treatments can be considered safe and effective.
Finding the right treatment for insomnia can be a journey, but these options provide a starting point for those sleepless nights.