Sleep
As they get older most people need less sleep. Exactly how much is needed varies enormously and the only way to tell if you have had enough sleep is by how you feel when you wake. If you feel well and rested you have had enough.
Not sleeping (insomnia) is a problem which most people experience at some time or another. It is usually due to a temporary inability to 'switch off' the brain. Worry, excitement, anger and pain are all things that can cause this to happen.
For some unlucky people these emotions are present for much of their lives and they suffer from chronic insomnia. They will often use drugs such as sedatives or sleeping pills to help them sleep. If possible, these drugs should be avoided for all but very short-term situations. They can produce a dependency and may have prolonged effects interfering with your ability to do things such as driving the next day.
If you routinely have difficulty sleeping, here are some tips that might help.
- Don't go to bed until you feel tired.
- Do something relaxing, such as reading or listening to music at the end of your day, but before you go to bed.
- Keep bed for sleep (and sex) alone – don’t lie in bed and watch television.
- Avoid large meals, strenuous exercise or hard work just before going to bed.
- Make sure you are comfortable in bed. Go to the toilet. If you are feeling hungry, have a light snack or a glass of warm milk.
- Exercise during the day and try not to have naps. This way you are more likely to be tired when you go to bed.
- If you haven't gone to sleep within half an hour, get up and do something such as reading. Don't lie in bed worrying that you can't sleep; this is a good way of keeping yourself awake!
These and other suggestions your doctor might have are just some of the ways that those unfortunate enough to have chronic insomnia might avoid the regular use of sedatives or sleeping pills.
Last Reviewed: 06 March 2009
