Millions of Americans seek out sleep specialists to diagnose and treat insomnia. Insomnia is nothing more than the disturbance of the natural sleep/awake cycle. For some, it is trouble falling asleep and for others, it is difficulty staying asleep through the night. Insomnia can occur for days to weeks at a time or more frequently, lasting years on end. For the various levels of insomnia, there are cures and remedies for all. Mostly, there are three areas of treatment which include traditional medication, alternative medicine and natural medicine. All have shown positive results to one degree or another, varying from one case of insomnia to the next. It is best to choose your treatment method after discussing your options with your physician. In order to have a general idea of insomnia cures, here is a brief description of each area of treatment.
Traditional medicine is either prescription or over-the-counter sleeping aids. Prescription medications are classified as hypnotics or sedative-hypnotics. They are said to be more habit forming as the body is quick to become tolerant of such drugs as triazolam or mitrazepam. The newer sedative-hypnotics such as Lunesta are said to be less habit forming yet still carry the underlying risk of dependence. OTC medications such as sominex contain antihistamines, which cause sleepiness in its users. It is always best to use all-natural sleep aids; otherwise, patients run the risk of bothersome side effects or addiction.
Alternative medicines have been in use for ages and are only recently becoming more popular in the United States within the past decade. The use of acupuncture, meditation, aromatherapy and hypnotherapy are being practiced to aid insomniacs in finding relief. Other therapies such as light therapy are also finding their way in insomnia treatment. The use of light is simulated to produce the conversion of serotonin into melatonin such as the natural process of being in the light of the sun. This is also useful in treating symptoms of depression. Another useful alternative medicine is herbology. The use of herbs such as chamomile and valerian root in teas and supplements helps to bring a soothing calmness to insomniacs and decrease their restlessness.
Natural medicine can be thought of as alternative medicine but many believe it is simply a healthy lifestyle. A combination of exercise and a nutrient-rich diet are believed to naturally cure insomnia. Foods such as walnuts, bananas and kiwifruit are said to contain serotonin for sleep induction. Daily vigorous exercises of time periods of 20 to 30 minutes increase serotonin, lifting one’s mood and easing the body into a deeper sleep in the evening.
The methods are many but so are the cases of insomnia. Each case is different and treatments are available for each individual needs. Probably, it is simply a relief to know that there are countless options available to banish the restless nights of the insomnia sufferer.