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$Title{What Are the Causes and Cures of Insomnia?}
$Subject{mental condition conditions brain age aged aging elderly sleep
disturbance sleeplessness sleepy insomnia insomniac alcohol caffeine nicotine
antihypertensives antidepressants oral contraceptives steroids anticonvulsants
levodopa psychostimulants apnea restless leg syndrome hyperthyroidism
contraceptive contraception contraceptions}
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Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Causes and Cures of Insomnia?


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QUESTION:  I never get a good night's rest anymore.  Though I am 79, I'm still
in reasonably good health.  Still I just lie awake no matter how tired I get.
Can you explain what is wrong?

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ANSWER:  First, take heart that you're not alone.  Insomnia is the most common
sleep disturbance.  Second, since insomnia itself is a symptom, not a
diagnosis, take some time to think about what might be causing your problem.
     The cause might be something as simple as your age.  The older you get,
the more likely you are to sleep less efficiently.  You wake up in the night,
arise early in the morning, feel sleepy during the day.  However, while you
may be sleeping less at night, chances are you're also napping during the day.
Result:  the overall amount of sleep you get hasn't changed.   On the other
hand, your insomnia may be the result of stress.  The death of a loved one, a
change in jobs, even travel, can all temporarily disrupt your sleep habits.
This type of insomnia usually lasts no more than three weeks.  If your sleep
troubles continue longer than that, a medical problem may be at the heart.
Depression is often accompanied by insomnia.  Older depressed people may find
themselves unintentionally awake at the crack of dawn.  Manic or anxiety
disorders can also cause insomnia.
     Drugs and alcohol may have an affect on sleep too.  A nip of alcohol
before bedtime, which many people feel helps sleep, may actually result in
your awakening early in the morning.  Other common drugs that can result in
sleep problems include caffeine, nicotine, antihypertensives, antidepressants,
oral contraceptives, steroids, anticonvulsants, levodopa and psychostimulants.
Finally, a whole range of other conditions from sleep apnea to restless leg
syndrome, to hyperthyroidism, can bring on sleeplessness.
     What should you do about your insomnia?  Even if you think you know what
the problem is, it's best to consult your doctor.  The two of you can work out
a solution that's best for you.  One other note:  Sleeping pills are not the
answer to insomnia.  Though a short course of medication does work in some
specific instances, in the long run, sleeping pills are not an effective
solution.  However, by discovering the cause and remedying the situation, you
will not only solve your sleep problem, but lessen the anxiety that "white
nights" have been producing.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.