Treatment of insomnia (sleep disorders)

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can significantly impair quality of life. It causes chronic fatigue and reduces performance. This condition can provoke various diseases. The treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders is handled by somnologists or neurologists.

Causes of insomnia

Insomnia can occur for a variety of reasons. It can be stress, unbalanced diet, unstable lifestyle and chronic diseases. Determine the causes of this condition will help the doctor during the initial consultation.

Most often, sleep disorders develop against the background of stress. Nervous tension prevents falling asleep and deep sleep. An additional factor that can cause insomnia is excessive use of caffeine and alcohol.

Insomnia can also provoke a violation of biorhythms and lack of regime, when going to sleep and rising occur at different times.

Thus, the main causes of insomnia may be:

• Stress and anxiety;
• Inappropriate diet;
• Violation of sleep patterns;
• Chronic diseases.

Methods of diagnosing sleep disorders

You can diagnose insomnia on your own (self-diagnosis) or seek help from a specialist.

Professional diagnosis includes polysomnography, actimetry and psychometric tests. To choose the most effective diagnostic method and to identify the true causes of sleep disorders will help a neurologist or a doctor-somnologist MS "Dobrobut" during a consultation.

• Polysomnography records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing during sleep;
• Actimetry measures activity and rest by assessing sleep cycles;
• Psychometric tests assess stress and anxiety levels.

Self-diagnosis involves keeping a sleep diary. This involves recording:

• Bedtime and rise time
• Duration and quality of sleep
• Daytime activity and its impact on sleep

Medication

Sometimes for the treatment of insomnia MS "Dobrobut" specialists may prescribe various medications: sleeping pills and melatonin. Their dosages and regimen are strictly individualized and can only be determined by a doctor. Do not self-medicate, as many drugs against insomnia have serious side effects.

Also, with prolonged use of sleeping pills, the patient may develop addiction to the active substance, daytime sleepiness, decreased concentration. If the first signs of addiction to the drug for insomnia, it is necessary to immediately consult with the attending physician (including in the format of online explanations through the MS "Dobrobut" patient's office).

The main types of drugs for insomnia:

• Sleeping pills: benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines;
• Melatonin: a hormone that regulates sleep cycles;
• Antidepressants.

Non-medicamentous methods of treatment

Non-drug methods include relaxation techniques, meditation, exercises and breathing practices. They improve sleep without side effects.

Some of the popular and effective treatments include:

• Relaxation: muscle relaxation, meditative techniques;
• Physical activity: regular exercise, yoga;
• Progressive muscle relaxation: alternating muscle tension and relaxation;
• Aromatherapy: use of essential oils;
• Breathing techniques: deep breathing, breathing exercises.

Sleep hygiene plays a key role in the treatment of insomnia. It is important to follow a sleep schedule. Lie down and get up at the same time. Creating a comfortable environment for sleep also improves its quality: a comfortable pillow, bed, a blanket that is pleasant to the touch and more. Limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime, and avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening.

Insomnia Prevention

Lifestyle changes are necessary for the prevention and long-term management of insomnia. Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake. Limit daytime naps. Regular exercise and stress management are helpful. If necessary, seek professional help from a Dobrobut MS somnologist or neurologist.

Understanding the causes of sleep disorders and utilizing various treatment methods can improve the quality of sleep and life in general. Observance of sleep hygiene and a healthy lifestyle will help prevent insomnia and maintain good health.