How to Improve the Quality of Your Life by Curing Insomnia

Alternatives to counting sheep: Solving the problem of insomnia

"What is insomnia?"

Insomnia is an abnormal condition of the human body, where a person has the inability to obtain adequate sleep.

"Does insomnia affect people's lives adversely?"

Yes. Relationships break down quickly, if one person sleeps soundly, at night and another tosses and turns. A person's ability to function effectively, at work, decreases when he or she does not sleep properly. Family members can be irritable, if they do not get sufficient sleep.

If you have trouble sleeping, be aware that it is possible to cure insomnia, but you may need to obtain medical or dental help.

Seeing a sleep therapist, undergoing sleep therapy or attending a sleep clinic may be indicated if your problem cannot be solved. Doing online research with the search engine on your computer, may lead you in the right direction.

First, try to determine your body's biological time clock. Every person sleeps according to his or her own time clock. When are you ready to go to sleep? How many hours of sleep, do you normally need?

For example, some people fall asleep at ten pm and awaken at six am. Others fall asleep at two am and awaken at noon. Some people sleep better in the daytime, than at night.

Perhaps you require fewer hours of sleep?

Keep a record! How often does the insomnia occur? Is it nightly, weekly, monthly or yearly?

Now try to determine the cause.

Chronic insomnia often involves snoring, sleep apnea or breathing related disorders, like an airway swelling or blockage, a deviated nasal septum or  nasal polyps. These problems should be treated by your physician. Sometimes dental work can bring about effective resolution.

Other common causes of insomnia may include:

Fretting: Are you fretting about family matters? Perhaps you have bills to pay? Are you worried about possible job loss? Are there things that you cannot change, like the global economy? Maybe talking with someone, might help you deal with these kinds of concerns.

Caffeine: Try cutting back on all caffeine products. Don't consume anything containing caffeine after six pm. Purchase only decaffeinated beverages.

Excess stress or tension: Find a fun way to relax.

Depression: Exercise, music or anti-depression medication from your doctor, may help. If it persists, seek counseling or psychotherapy.

Over activity: Do something restful and relaxing prior to bedtime.

Lack of exercise: Swim or take an evening stroll. Walk your dog regularly.

Excessive stimulation: Avoid over-stimulating drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoke. Enjoy quiet entertainment just before bedtime.

Discomfort: Consider investing in a new bed, mattress or a larger bed.

Muscle pain: Massage therapy or muscle relaxants may help to ease your muscle discomfort.

Pain or low back pain: Request pain medication from your physician. Discuss position-related sleep problems with your chiropractor.

Environment: Re-decorate your bedroom with dark blinds or drapes.

Cold bedroom: Purchase a duvet or turn up the heat. Close your window at night.

Noisy: Try using ear plugs. Put a 'do not disturb' sign on your door.

Shift work: Arrange to have your work schedule changed.

There can be many other reasons why you have insomnia. If you tried all of the above and you still cannot sleep, maybe it is time to take immediate action and contact a sleep therapist. There might an answer for you yet.

Rest assured that your quality of life and that of your family, will improve dramatically, once you cure your insomnia. Counting sheep or your blessings is not always the answer, but that can help, too.