Insomnia

The most common sleep disorder is insomnia. It affects 20% to 40% of adults each year. In fact, there are over 70 million Americans who experience wakefulness or the sleep disorder of insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is frustrating because the sufferer truly feels tired and wants to sleep. The possible causes of this disorder include: stress, medications, anxiety, depression, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, medical conditions, change in work schedule or environment, poor sleeping habits or eating too much too late in the evening. By avoiding or making lifestyles changes, you can lessen the effects of a sleep disorder.

Treatment Options

Once your sleep disorder has been pinpointed, you and your doctor can discuss treatment options. There are traditionally four courses of treatment for sleep disorders: behavioral/psychotherapeutic treatment, rehabilitation/management/medications and other somatic treatments. One option is to take sleep medication for your sleep disorders under a doctor’s supervision. Sleep apnea can be successfully treated using a continuous positive airway pressure machine also known as CPAP. CPAP is effective against the sleeping disorder of sleep apnea because it blows air into the throat continuously to keep the airway open. Sleep disorders can also be alleviated by losing weight or quitting smoking. Discuss with your doctor what your options are for treating your sleep disorders.