Friday, November 10, 2023

Cures for insomnia

While I'm on this kick of looking up insomnia I looked up cures. On the one hand I am guilty of most of the issues, especially drinking coffee which I love. And now I can add over active bladder which is exasperated by the coffee as well. What I have found is that I can and do fall asleep on the couch while watching tv with Tess sitting across from me. I think it's because I don't feel any stress. It's not good timing because I should be awake to be there for and with Tess but I think part of it is because I have not gone to bed so I don't feel the pressure of... oh no, what if I can't fall asleep!!! I used to feel that a lot when I was working the two jobs but I would just go into that energized state where I'm working so I feel energized. Now, even though I don't work I go into that state like if we're going to visit Lauren or go hike with Chip or John. I'm like how can I ever get through the day if I don't fall asleep but when morning finally gets here and I start with my new coffee I'm up and going and never feel sleepy until maybe when I'm driving home. In fact long distance driving has always been extremely fatiguing but if I pull over, instead of going to sleep, I wake up. Sometimes I've tried to think like I'm driving when I lie down safe in bed like after driving home when I had to fight to stay awake but no, it doesn't really work and while I'm at it neither does Advil PM or other medication I've taken after surgeries. They just make me feel extra groggy but  not fall asleep so I just don't bother with them. The only thing that works at all, the only 'cure' is like 3 days of no sleep. Usually feet 3 days I get a few hours and that seems to be enough. I want more. I wish for more but I take what I can get basically whenever I can get it which is usually an inappropriate time. Like when I almost fell asleep at the Epcot Center,

There is no one-size-fits-all cure for insomnia, but there are a number of treatments that can be effective. The best approach for you will depend on the underlying cause of your insomnia and your individual preferences.

Lifestyle changes

The first step in treating insomnia is to make lifestyle changes to improve your sleep hygiene. This includes:

  • Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even if you haven't slept well the night before.
  • Creating a relaxing bedtime routine. This may include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music. Avoid watching TV or using electronic devices in the hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
  • Making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Darkness helps to promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Noise and light can disrupt sleep, so try to make your bedroom as dark and quiet as possible. A cool temperature is also ideal for sleep.
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so it's best to avoid them in the hours leading up to bedtime.
  • Getting regular exercise. Exercise can help to improve sleep quality, but it's important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Exercise can make it harder to fall asleep, so it's best to finish exercising at least three hours before bed.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i)

CBT-i is a type of therapy that can be effective for treating insomnia. CBT-i helps you to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that are interfering with your sleep.

Medication

If lifestyle changes and CBT-i are not effective, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you sleep. There are a number of different types of sleep medications available, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs.

Other treatments

Other treatments that may be helpful for insomnia include:

  • Light therapy: Light therapy involves exposing yourself to bright light at certain times of the day. This can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, which is your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • Melatonin supplementation: Melatonin is a hormone that helps to regulate sleep. Melatonin supplements can be helpful for people with insomnia who have trouble falling asleep.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches you how to control your body's functions, such as your heart rate and breathing. Biofeedback can be helpful for insomnia by teaching you how to relax and fall asleep more easily.

If you have insomnia, it's important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

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