The terms “Sleep Aids” and “Sleeping Aids” refer to the various therapies, medications and supplements that can help you enjoy a sound and peaceful sleep when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. Sleeping aids and pills are nothing new as our ancestors have been using herbal potions and the opiate laudanum to induce sleep for centuries.

The early 1900s witnessed the introduction of barbiturates, and in the 1960s, benzodiazepines arrived on the scene. There are many safer classes of drugs like non benzodiazepine hypnotics that can easily help us to overcome sleeping disorders today.

Even though you might know the tips for a good night’s sleep like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, controlling stress, and relaxation before bedtime, sleep can still elude you. Sleeping aids can help you in such circumstances. They are available in many forms that cure and treat various types of sleeping disorders.

Sleeping Disorders

Sleeping disorders may appear in many forms, like failing to sleep the whole night, feeling sleepy and tired during the day though you had enough sleep, having crawling sensations in your legs, and snoring. Some of the most commonly occurring sleeping disorders are:

* Insomnia – failing to sleep

* Sleep apnea – breathing interruptions during sleep

* Restless legs syndrome – a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs

* Narcolepsy – sleep attacks during the day

* Parasomnias- nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, sleep talking, head banging, wetting the bed and grinding your teeth

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common type of sleeping disorder where you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or you wake up feeling dull and tired. People with insomnia would have some or all of the following symptoms:

* Trouble falling asleep

* Waking up repeatedly during the night, and not able to go back to sleep again

* Waking up too early in the morning

* Feeling tired upon waking

* Sleepiness and sleep attacks during the day

* Irritability

* Problems with concentration or memory

Insomnia Causes

There are many reasons for insomnia. Insomnia is sometimes caused by a medical problem (primary insomnia). It can also be caused by depression and certain medications. Insomnia can either be a short term problem lasting less than a month (acute) or a problem that lasts longer than a month (chronic).

The main causes of acute insomnia include:

* Stress

* Illness

* Emotional or physical discomfort

* Environmental aspects like noise, light, or extreme temperatures that affect sleep

* Specific medications used for the treatment of colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure and asthma

* Working a night shift.

The causes of chronic insomnia include:

* Depression and/or anxiety

* Chronic stress

* Pain or discomfort at night

Insomnia Treatment

There are many treatments for sleep disorders. Sometimes just having regular sleep habits, lifestyle change, exercise etc. can help in overcoming insomnia and other sleeping disorders. However, it is always best to ask a doctor for a proper diagnosis to identify the cause of insomnia to ensure you are prescribed the correct treatment.

There are medical as well as self-help non-medical treatments for insomnia.

Medical Treatment of Insomnia

Using medication is the most popular way of treating insomnia. Reports say that almost 25% of Americans take some form of medication for the treatment of insomnia. You are advised to take insomnia medications only when:

* The cause of insomnia has been identified

* Sleep troubles cause problems in carrying out daily activities

* Behavioral approaches are ineffective

* Insomnia is acute (temporary or short-term.)

* Insomnia occurs along with a known medical or physical condition

Insomnia Medication Treatment Guidelines

When you start taking medication for the treatment of insomnia, be sure the medication:

* Starts with the lowest possible effective dose

* Is for a short term, if used nightly

* Is alternating or sporadic, if used long-term

* Is accompanied with good sleep practices and/or behavioral approaches

Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics

The choice of a prescription medication for the treatment of insomnia greatly depends on the patient’s diagnosis, history of drug or alcohol abuse, age, medical conditions etc. Generally, there are three types of prescription medications for the treatment of insomnia: Hypnotics, Antidepressants and Anxiolytics.

Hypnotics are the most effective prescription sleeping aids that induce and promote sleep.

Antidepressants are the best solution for the treatment of insomnia when the cause of the sleeping disorder is related to depression. However, a patient should discuss the problem with a doctor as some antidepressants can also cause insomnia.

Anxiolytics are anti-anxiety drugs prescribed for the treatment of insomnia due to anxiety.

Self-Help & Non-Medicinal Insomnia Treatments

Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may include:

* Improved sleep habits and environment (sleep hygiene)

* Stress management and relaxation techniques

* Acupuncture and massage

* Cognitive behavior therapy and

* Herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and homeopathic remedies

Some people prefer non-medicinal and self–help strategies to treat insomnia as they tend to be less addictive, and drug-free alternatives have fewer side effects. Self-help and non-medicinal treatments of insomnia may also be less expensive than prescription drugs.

Effectiveness of Hypnotics for Insomnia Treatment

Clinical studies have examined data that proves the efficacy and reliability of hypnotics like Rozerem for the treatment of insomnia. After comparing hypnotics to a placebo for the treatment of insomnia, experts have come to the conclusion that hypnotics like Rozerem:

* shorten the time needed to fall asleep

* increase the total sleep time

* decrease the number of repeated awakenings

* enhance sleep quality

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Can you take sleep aids during a sleep study? I am going for?

my second study where I will be wears the CPAP mask this time in addition to the 25 wires, 2 belts, nasal canula and pulse ox meter. I was really hard to sleep last time. I wonder if taking some type of sleep aid will mess up the test?

Answer
Yes it will. You are not to take anything except for your daily, prescribed medications. You will be amazed how well you will sleep when you can breathe without snoring with the CPAP mask on. After being chronically sleep deprived because of sleep apnea, this is going to be a blessing. Don’t take any sleep aids.

Do you know that over 50% of adult peoples are suffer from some kind of sleep problem? I used to be a part of them. How about you? They have difficulties for falling asleep or still wake up during sleep time and insomnia is a term to described them. Normally, we will falling sleep at 9-11 o’clock every night but not for peoples who have sleep problem. They still wake up until midnight or even more. Another symptom is, even if they can sleep like normal people 7 or 8 hours a day, they are not feeling refreshed. And you can imagine that a person who have not feeling refreshed in the morning will effects their days. Let’s say like they can not concentrated during work, feeling stressed, fatigue, and many more. Having sleep problem can significantly lower quality of life.

Someone who lack of sleep doesn’t mean that he/she have sleep problem, because some peoples do not sleep very much but awaken after a few hours of sleep full of energy and feeling well rested. If that is you, then you don’t have to worry that you have insomnia, you just don’t need as much sleep as you think you do. So the most important is the quality of your sleep not quantity.

There are many potential causes insomnia or sleep problem such as, the side effect of medication, bad lifestyle habit, diseases, stress, depression and, etc. And some research say that most of insomnia cases are linked to psychological causes like depression and stress.

The best treatment for insomnia depends on what kind of insomnia do you have. You must consult your physician for treatment. For people who are seeking advice on an effective insomnia treatment, it may be as simple as making some changes in lifestyle habit, such as following a regular sleep schedule to improve your sleep and the others it takes more research and more serious treatment. So, it’s depends of cause on your insomnia.

If you want to find more about insomnia, here a good resources for your references. You can find what kind and caused of insomnia and what is the best for treatment. But it’s only for references, you must consult your doctor for advices.

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I’ve been having sleeping problems for a few months now. Why am i getting so paranoid and cant sleep?

I first noticed this when i would come home from boarding school freshman year. When I would come home, no matter how hard I tried, i could not fall asleep. I felt so paranoid about where I was, and would just walk around the house all night and watch TV. Why can’t I fall asleep, and what should I do so I can get the proper amount of sleep I need to function?

Answer
The strange surroundings, as crazy as it may seem because you are actually at home, can have an effect.
I suggest the following for exam prep, but it may well work here.
Sit in a chair where you can relax, are not going to be disturbed. Arms and legs uncrossed, and just relax. Think of somewhere peaceful you would like to be, the beach for example.
Count very slowly, from 1 to 10, as you take yourself on an imaginary journey. Let all the tensions and stress flow out as you relax and get closer, until finally, at number 10, you arrive.
Before you go to bed, a warm milky drink, (no caffeine) don’t read or watch TV, instead listen to relaxing music, (no vocals) , pan pipes are ideal, and just let yourself drift off into a peaceful sleep.
Hope this helps,
mike t.

If you have back pain, you may have problems getting a good night’s sleep. You can prevent sleep problems by choosing a bed that provides good support and sleeping a position that allows your back to stay in the neutral position. If sleep problems occur, here are few simple tips that can help you to re-establish your natural sleep pattern.

You should sleep on a bed that is firm and that does not sag, but it should be soft enough to allow the heavier parts of your body to sink in slightly, giving support to your lower back. When buying a new mattress, purchase a firm or medium-firm style. Be sure to try it out for a few minutes in the store before purchasing it because some mattresses can be too firm for comfort. A mattress that is too firm may not let your shoulders and hips to sink down at all, which puts more strain on your back.

If your bed is too soft, you could simply try sleeping on blankets or a firm foam pad on the floor. Or you could put a bed board between the mattress and box springs of your bed. The board should be long enough to support you from the shoulders to the knees. A bed board will not completely correct a badly sagging mattress, but in most cases, it can help a great deal.

Beds such as captain’s beds and platform beds do not require box springs and do not benefit from a bed board because the surface under the mattress is already rigid. Waterbeds and the air beds can give sufficient back support if filled properly.

Proper resting and sleeping positions are important to prevent increased pain. When reading, watching television, or otherwise reclining in bed, use a wedge-shaped pillow to support your back, neck, and head. Wedges can be purchased at shops that sell bedding or foam rubber. You can mimic the effect by piling a cascade of pillows that slopes down from the headboard to your lower back.

While sleeping, you will probably be most comfortable if you lie on your back or on your side instead of your stomach. When you lie on your back, you may be more comfortable if you put a small pillow under your lower back for support. Sometimes a few pillows under the knees can be helpful as well. If you sleep on your side, put a pillow under your waist and a pillow or two between your legs to keep your spine and hips in normal alignment. You may find that lying on your stomach is uncomfortable because your back is tight and inflexible. If you want to try sleeping in that position anyway, put a pillow or two under your stomach. You may find this position to be surprisingly comfortable.

Rolling over in bed does not have to be painful if you use good body mechanics. Strive to keep your body as straight as possible from your neck to your hips, and move your entire torso as one unit. Do this by bending your knees and placing your hands on your thighs. Then roll over, moving your shoulders, back, hips, and knees together.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of “Neck Exercises and Workouts.” Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.

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My sleep problems are out of control?

I cannot get myself out of bed without at least 10 hours of sleep, usually closer to 12 or 13. My schedule also changes all the time. When I “reset” myself back to getting up in the morning, I just can’t stay that way for much more than a week. I am missing out on life because all I do is sleep all day. I feel bad about myself and more depressed. My psychiatrist told me to use trazodone at night, but I already have problems waking up and I think that makes it worse. I just want to be able to wake up after 8 hours of sleep like a normal person. Even if I slept from 4 am to noon every day, I would be happy. When you get up after sleeping 13 hours and it’s already dark outside, you just feel awful. Is anyone else going through this? If so, any techniques or meds which worked for you?

Answer
you are not alone on this. Even if i get 10 hrs of sleep a night, i still hit that snooze alarm. I find myself rushing out the door and than i cant fall asleep till midnight. I have tried sleeping pills and they just do not help (at least for me). If pos take a warm bath at least one hr before you plan on going to bed. my Doc told me that would help me get a better night of sleep. also don’t drink anything with caffeine past 7pm. that makes you not sleep as well and then u are tie rd in the morning. my doc tells me to wake up the same time every morn even on weekends (yea right). i have been told that if you sleep more than eight hrs a night, you are sleeping way too much.

It’s estimated that a quarter of young children have severe long and short term sleep problems. A prolonged sleep disorder can have a profound impact on a child’s development. Studies have shown that kids who are sleep deprived don’t perform well in school, exhibit behavioral problems and are more susceptible to illnesses.

As a parent, there are simple things that you can do to help your child get a better night of sleep. Read on for more information on the symptoms of common sleep problems in children and the treatment options available.

New parents are often very concerned about how much bedtime their baby is getting. Newborn infants have irregular bedtime cycles and sleep an average of 16 to 17 hours per day. However, they may only not stay awake for 1 or 2 hours at a time.

As children get older, the total number of hours they need for not to stay awake decreases. A pre-school child may still need to sleep 10 to 12 hours each day, whereas a school aged child sleeps about 10 hours each day. It is important to remember that each child’s sleeping pattern will be different.

It is well known that a child who has a sleep problem will also develop behavioral and attention problems in school. A recent study reported that 37% of school aged children experience significant, nocturnal sleeping issues. Problems may include a reluctance to go to bed, disrupted sleep, nightmares and sleepwalking.

In older children, bedwetting can also become a challenge. Such problems are also common in kids with ADHD. It is important to try and figure out if these issues, especially if your child has difficulty falling asleep, are a side effect of any ADHD medication he or she might be taking.

Sleep problems in children can no doubt be thwarted if a regular bedtime schedule is followed to ensure that your child gets enough rest. Start by establishing a quiet time before bed. This is a good time to take a bath and read a story. By winding down, your child will be able to fall asleep quicker.

Once the body adjusts to a set schedule, he or she is more likely to be sleepy at the same time every night. If your child suffers from night terrors or nightmares, then make him more comfortable by turning on a night light in the room and allowing him to sleep with a favorite toy. Physical comfort, such as a firm sleep foundation is also key to a good night of sleep, as well as roomy and cozy pajamas.

Kids learn from example, so follow a regular bedtime ritual yourself. If your child’s symptoms persist, then consider seeing a bedtime specialist. Sometimes sleep problems in children can be caused by depression or other anxiety disorders.

However, remember that each child is different. If they’re energetic and active during the day, then don’t worry if they’re having occasional sleepless nights.

Discover more information about treating sleep problems in children from Mike Selvon educational portal. We appreciate your feedback at our sleep disorder treatment blog.

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Can Focalin XR when taken in the morning cause sleep problems?

My daughter was put on Focalin XR for ADHD. She takes this first thing in the morning along with her anitbiotics for Lyme Disease. Since she has been taking this she has not slept more than 5 hours at night. I have checked every other medicine and none of them seem to cause any sleep problems. Besides that the doctor that put her on this medicine said she either had ADHD or Bipolar disorder but they couldn’t tell which one. Any help would be great. Thanks!!

Answer
Is the Focalin helping with her symptons? If it is than she is ADHD. If it seems to make the symptoms worse, then she most likely has Bipolar disorder. My son is on Adderol XR for ADD and it helps with his symptoms. In the beginning he ate very little and slept very little but it did pass with time. Manic episodes from the Bipolar can also make someone sleep less……. Again, look at her symptoms, if the Focalin helps then give it a little time for the side effects to go away. If her symptoms are worse…. take her back to the doctor and see about trying a med for Bipolar mania.