MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Insomnia concerns

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Insomnia concerns

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Insomnia concerns

Alternative Names Return to top

Sleep issues; Difficulty falling asleep

Information Return to top

Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep. In many cases, it can be relieved with a few simple behavioral changes or medication. Talk with your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty falling asleep
Wake up several times throughout the night
Wake up early in the morning
Significant trouble getting out of bed in the morning
Excessive sleepiness during the day
History of falling asleep during the day at inappropriate times
Pain, frequent urination, or unusual sensations that keep you awake
Nightmares or disturbing thoughts that keep you awake

Here are some simple tips to get a better night's sleep:

If possible, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
Avoid performing activities such as eating and working in your bed.
Avoid strenuous activity two hours prior to going to bed.
Avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening. Some people may have the same reaction from drinking very sweet beverages or alcohol.
Avoid eating heavy meals at least two hours prior to going to sleep.

Do something relaxing just before bedtime (reading or television) so that you don't dwell on worrisome issues. If you can't fall asleep within 30 minutes, get up and move to another room and engage in a quiet activity until you feel sleepy.

One method of preventing worries from keeping you awake is to keep a journal before going to bed. List all issues that worry you. By this method you transfer your worries from your thoughts to paper, leaving your mind quieter and more ready to fall asleep. See sleep disorders.

Caffeinated beverages consumed anytime after 3 p.m. can affect some people's ability to fall asleep. In addition, drinking alcoholic beverages before bedtime can hurt the quality of your sleep.

HOW MUCH SLEEP IS ENOUGH?

While 7-8 hours a night is recommended for most people, children and teenagers need more. Older people tend to do fine with less. The quality of sleep is as important as how much sleep you get.

See also:

Update Date: 12/22/2006

Updated by: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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