Treatment of insomnia involves addressing both the medical and psychiatric causes. Doctors will usually ask about your sleep habits, keep a diary, and order tests to help them diagnose insomnia. Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are commonly co-occurring conditions. They are referred to as comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (COMISA).
Medications
A sedating benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) is usually the first-line treatment for sleep-onset insomnia, although a BZRA may be appropriate in younger adults with few major comorbidities who have distress or are able to adhere to precautions for next-morning residual effects. For older patients with dementia, a BZRA should not be used because of the long-acting nature of these agents and their potential to cause cognitive impairment in elderly patients.
Insomnia is a common condition and can result from a variety of factors. Some causes can be treated with simple lifestyle changes. Others are more complex and require a diagnosis of a sleep disorder. Modvigil 200 Australia is frequently marketed and is used to treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder.
For those with a diagnosis of insomnia, your doctor will likely recommend behavioral therapy to learn strategies for overcoming the problem. This includes reducing stress, changing sleep habits and behaviors, and setting a bedtime and waketime goals.
Stimulus control is another important component of behavioral therapy for insomnia. It consists of making certain adjustments to your day to reduce anxiety at the mere prospect of falling asleep, such as lying in bed only when you feel tired, avoiding distractions in your bedroom, and taking an evening walk.
Most people with chronic insomnia benefit from a combination of medication and behavior changes. Medications help you fall asleep and stay asleep, while behavior changes encourage better sleep quality and a more restful night’s sleep.
Lifestyle Changes
Sleep breathing disorders like snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can cause insomnia. But you don’t have to let them ruin your sleep — and there are ways to help. For people who have been diagnosed with severe sleep disturbances at night and find it difficult to function during the day, supplements such as Buy Artvigil Australia are very beneficial.
While a doctor may prescribe medicine to treat your condition, the best approach is to address the underlying problem and promote healthy sleep habits. That includes avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine before bedtime, turning off the screens in your bedroom, and changing your sleep position so you don’t roll over or snore.
If medication is prescribed, it should only be taken for a few months while you establish healthier habits and build your sleep routine. Then, you can discontinue it.
Other treatments include sleep hygiene and behavioral therapies that teach you how to relax and fall asleep. These include cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. A study in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews found that therapy helped people with chronic insomnia get an extra 30 to 60 minutes of sleep per night.
Lifestyle changes also may help, such as losing weight if you’re overweight. This can help reduce the thickness of your upper airway, which makes it easier to breathe. And exercising can help you manage your weight and improve your mood, which can also lead to better sleep.
Herbal remedies and supplements are other options, including melatonin, which has been shown to promote sleep. But because they aren’t regulated by the FDA, you should talk with your doctor about these options before taking them.
Acupuncture and meditation are other at-home treatments that have shown promise for reducing insomnia symptoms. But more research does need on these methods.
Yoga is also a popular sleep aid, especially for women. But it’s important to make sure you practice this form of exercise during the day. If you don’t do this, you can actually disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycle.
It’s also a good idea to avoid eating large meals and drinking coffee or alcohol close to bedtime. Caffeine can disrupt your natural sleep pattern and keep you from falling asleep quickly.
In addition to promoting better sleep, a diet that’s high in fiber can help you feel full throughout the day. It can also help you get enough energy to perform well at work and school.
CPAP
CPAP is a device that delivers pressurized air into your mouth, nose, or throat as you sleep. It is one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea and helps you get better sleep.
Most people who use CPAP find that their symptoms improve within a week of using the device consistently. Others need to take longer to adjust to it and experience some side effects, but the benefits are worth it.
Many people with sleep apnea have problems keeping their airways open during sleep, causing them to stop breathing or collapse repeatedly. These pauses can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired throughout the day.
The use of CPAP can help you sleep better and reduce or eliminate snoring. It can also reduce the risk of a stroke and heart attack, as well as lower your blood pressure.
However, you must be willing to use a CPAP machine every night. If you are hesitant, ask your doctor or a sleep specialist for help. They can help you choose a machine, set the right pressure level, and recommend a mask that fits your needs.
If you have a leaky or ill-fitting mask, ask your doctor about changing it or finding a different type of mask. A good mask should be comfortable and fit securely around your nose. If you can’t find one that works, try wearing a nasal pillow instead.
A good mask is key to effective CPAP use. If you find it too uncomfortable, ask your doctor for a new mask or try a different brand.
You can also use a humidifier to keep your skin and eyes moisturized. Some CPAP devices come with a water chamber that humidifies the air before it reaches your mask. If you have a dry mouth, nose, or throat, you may need to use a saline nasal spray to relieve congestion.
Comorbid conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea can be challenging to treat. But there are many options available to get you the sleep you need. Some options include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
Surgery
When medication, lifestyle changes, and other treatments do not help control a person’s sleep-breathing disorder, doctors may recommend surgery. In some cases, it can help improve obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea by removing or reducing the obstruction that causes the person to stop breathing during sleep.
For many people, surgery is the last resort for addressing their condition, but it can be a worthwhile option for others. Before deciding to undergo surgery, consider your medical history and talk with your doctor about how it will affect you.
There are several types of surgeries that can treat obstructive sleep apnea. Some are less invasive than others, and they can be perform in a variety of places.
Your doctor will be able to recommend the best surgical procedure for your sleep apnea based on the cause of the problem. Generally, the operation will take place in an outpatient surgery center or hospital and will not require general anesthesia.
If you choose to have surgery, your healthcare provider will tell you what to expect and how long it will take for you to recover. Depending on the procedure, you may need to stay at a hospital for a few days after the surgery or have a nurse visit you at home.
Recovery is usually relatively quick and easy, and you can typically go home within a few days of your surgery. During this time, your healthcare team will monitor your progress closely. You may need a caregiver to accompany you home and help with light household chores and other tasks while you recover.
Before your surgery, you will have an appointment with the surgeon to talk about the type of operation and how it will affect your life. You will also receive instructions on how to prepare and what to do in the event of an emergency.
During this preop phase, your healthcare team will discuss any medications you’re taking and what they do for you. They will also make sure you’re not allergic to anything during the surgery. That your body does prepare for the procedure.
