An Introduction to Insomnia Treatment
There are several different treatments for
insomnia. The form of treatment your healthcare provider advises will depend on:
- How long the insomnia has lasted (short-term versus chronic)
- The cause of insomnia (see Insomnia Causes)
- Your age and general health.
Specific treatment options include:
- Doing nothing
- Treating the underlying problem
- Taking medications
- Using certain behavioral techniques.
Treat Insomnia by Doing Nothing
Acute (short-term) insomnia may not require treatment. For example, if insomnia is due to a temporary change in the sleep/wake schedule, as with jet lag, the person's biological clock will typically get back to normal on its own.
Also, mild insomnia can often be prevented or cured by improving sleep habits
(see Good Sleep Habits).
Treat the Underlying Problem
Chronic insomnia may be caused by one of many underlying medical or psychological problems
(see Insomnia Causes). In many of these cases, by treating the medical condition, the insomnia will improve.
Also, identifying behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or smoking before bedtime, that may worsen insomnia and stopping (or reducing) them, can also help with insomnia.
