Insomnia Treatment

There are a few different forms of insomnia treatment. The one the doctor recommends depends on how long the insomnia has lasted, the cause of the insomnia, and the age and general health of the patient. Some specific insomnia treatment options include treating the underlying problem, taking medications, and using certain behavioral techniques.

 

An Introduction to Insomnia Treatment

There are several insomnia treatment options. The form of treatment the doctor recommends will depend on:
 
  • How long the insomnia has lasted (short-term versus chronic insomnia)
  • The cause of insomnia (see Insomnia Causes)
  • The age and general health of the patient.
     
Specific insomnia treatment options include:
 
  • Doing nothing
  • Treating the underlying problem
  • Taking medications
  • Using certain behavioral techniques.
     

Insomnia Treatment: Doing Nothing

Acute (short-term) insomnia may not require insomnia 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).
 

Insomnia Treatment: Treating 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.
(Insomnia Treatment Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation