BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Wellness Insommnia treatment

The treatment for insomnia depends on its cause and severity, Older people experiencing age-related sleep changes usually don't ned treatment because the changes are normal. Since total sleeping time is likely to decrease with age,older people may find going to bed later or getting up earlier helpful. People with insomnia may benefit by staying calm and relaxed in the hour before bedtime and making the bedroom atmosphere conducive to sleep. Soft lighting, minimal noise,and a comfortable room temperature are necessary If emotional stress is causing the insomnia, treatment to relieve the stress is more useful than taking medication. When insomnia occurs with depression, the depression should be thoroughly evaluated and treated by a doctor. Some antidepressant drugs can improve sleep because they have sedating properties. When sleep disorders interfere with a person's normal activities and sence of well-being, the intermittent use of sleep medication (sedatives, hypnotics) may be helpful.

The following tips really work for me:
- Don�t worry about how much sleep you get. Excess worry and anxiety are the main triggers of �learned insomnia�, when you worry so much about whether or not you will be able to fall asleep
- Try to stay awake. This is one of the scientifically proven tips. Trying to stay awake as long as possible can have the opposite effect and help you fall asleep
- Don't look at the alarm clock during the night
- Try not taking a nap
- Hot tub or bath before bedtime

I think sleeping pills and sedative antidepressants (like trazodone) should be used only as a last resort.

I use an essential oil by Nature's Inventory to help me sleep. I just rub a little on the side of my neck at night and I sleep really well.

I have a page on my health website about Natural Sleep Remedies if anyone would care to read that. There are some good tips for achieving a good night's sleep naturally.

I've tried those essential oils too and they work great!