Q&A: Insomnia—what to do when you can't sleep
April 6, 2018 by From Mayo Clinic News Network, Mayo Clinic News Network
Dear Mayo Clinic: What is the best way to eliminate insomnia? For almost a year, I've had trouble getting much sleep. I've tried over-the-counter medications, but they aren't very effective.
A: Although sleep medications may be useful when you have occasional trouble sleeping, they aren't meant for long-term use. A better approach is to change your behaviors to cultivate quality sleep. An evaluation with your health care provider to check for underlying issues that could be negatively affecting your sleep also could be valuable.
Insomnia is defined as having problems getting to sleep or staying asleep three nights a week or more for at least three months. When dealing with insomnia, it's important to rule out medical issues that could be driving it. For example, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea are two common problems that can lead to insomnia. Some medications also can cause sleep problems. See your health care provider to review any medications you take, and investigate whether a medical condition could be contributing to your sleeplessness.
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