[Guest]

Hello, I need to find a way to get decent sleep all the time. In the past I have gone through periods of time where I have been unable to get more than 2 hours of sleep a day(the worst was a period of 3-4 weeks). But generally my insomnia occurs a few nights a week. Not getting the sleep I want is very frustrating and depressing. What can I do? I've tried a few types of over the counter medication and it didn't help me sleep...they seemed to have exactly the opposite effect(made my hard race). HELP....please.

[Guest]

Insomnia can often be a symptom rather than it's own syndrome. The treatment is best directed at the cause. Can you identify and recent stress in your life or any major life changes such as divorce, moving, new job, unemployment, death of a loved one? These can often start insomnia even if you are not consciously aware of it. The best approach to insomnia is by making sure you have healthy sleep habits. You should go to sleep and wake the same time every day and night, 7 days a week. No caffeine, alcohol or nicotine. No exercising within 2-3 hours of bedtime. No staying in bed awake, staring at the clock. No mentally stimulating activities prior to bedtime. This is the first step. If this does not help after a few weeks, further treatment by a sleep physician or psychologist or psychiatrist is generally the next step.
[quote] Hello, I need to find a way to get decent sleep all the time. In the past I have gone through periods of time where I have been unable to get more than 2 hours of sleep a day(the worst was a period of 3-4 weeks)... [/quote]