House Calls

A common concern of many people is difficulty sleeping, or insomnia. 10 per cent of adults will have long-term insomnia. Insomnia isn't based upon the number of hours you sleep but includes difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or unrefreshing sleep. This may affect functioning during the day.

Symptoms of Insomnia

Common symptoms include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, daytime fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, depression, low energy, or poor concentration. Many will notice a lack of sleep is affecting their job performance or they are having more accidents.

What Causes Insomnia?

We all have had a poor nights sleep, either because of a recent illness, job or family stress, or simply because of a change in our usual sleeping environment. It may also be because of having a coffee too late in the evening or because of medication or alcohol use.

Of greater significance however is when insomnia lasts longer than one month. This can be caused by an underlying medical illness including several sleep disorders. Common conditions include sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Diagnosis will sometimes require laboratory testing or a formal sleep study.

Treatment

Most people will simply say, 'Doc, I need some sleeping pills', or 'I just need the little white pill.' This is looked upon as a quick fix, yet may have long-term effects. Medication is often unnecessary and is a last resort. Many people take medication for sleep unnecessarily.

Initially, people should ensure they have good sleeping habits. This includes having a regular sleeping schedule, avoid caffeinated beverages after 12 p.m. (that's right... noon), avoid smoking in the evening, not going to bed hungry and never force sleeping.

Exercise should be done four hours before bedtime. Once in bed, you should spend no more than 20 minutes trying to fall asleep. If you cannot sleep, get up and go to another room and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy and then return to bed.

Sometimes your health care provider may prescribe a medication to help. These are usually for short-term use and may have many side effects. Melatonin, a natural product available over the counter, may be helpful. Medications such as Benadryl and Gravol should not be used.

For more information, go to http://www.sleepfoundation.org , http://www.aasmnet.org/PatientsPublic.aspx

House Calls is a series of health related topics and is intended as general information only. Anyone with a specific health concern should consult a health care provider. Dr. Young is a family physician practicing in Springdale, NL. If you would like to suggest a topic to be covered, send an email to: tkyoung@xplornet.com; www.mydoctor.ca/drtoddyoung

Medication is often unnecessary and is a last resort. Many people take medication for sleep unnecessarily.