If you are one of the millions of people suffering from insomnia, you may be tempted to reach for a bottle of sleeping pills to help curb your symptoms. Getting a good night’s rest can feel so far out of reach when you find yourself unable to go to bed at a “normal” time. But what can you do to make the right kind of changes – those that truly last? Read on to discover alternative solutions that can help address your insomnia.
Why Sleeping Pills Shouldn’t Be Your Go-To Solution
When treating insomnia, it’s normal to think that taking a sleeping pill will work. Unfortunately, while they may prove helpful initially, there’s a good chance they will lose their effectiveness after a short time.
Not only are they not designed for long-term use, but they can cause several unpleasant side effects as well, such as withdrawal symptoms, dependence, and even amnesia. If you’re not careful, taking a sleeping pill too late can cause you to be drowsy in the morning, increasing the risk of dangerous driving.
What Kind of Insomnia Treatment is Effective for Long-Term Use?
Sleep disorder studies are continually being conducted by researchers who want to know more effective ways to address some of the most common problems people face. What they have discovered is that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the more beneficial forms of treatment because it addresses the cause of your sleep problems instead of just targeting the symptoms, which is what sleeping pills do.
Part of the process that CBT requires is keeping a diary of your sleep habits so that you can identify anything that might be contributing to your problem. Also, it encourages you to gain control of your thoughts, effectively eliminating anything negative or worrisome – two thought processes that can make falling asleep increasingly difficult.
Based on your case, a sleep expert might suggest that you avoid naps throughout the day, set an alarm to indicate when it is bedtime, quit smoking, avoid drinking late in the day, make your bedroom a sleep-safe area that includes blackout curtains and comfortable bedding, practice meditation, and avoid screens before bed.
By making these kinds of changes, you will begin to see a positive change in your sleep habits. Instead of staying awake throughout the night, you’ll be getting the much-needed rest you deserve.
About the Practice
Our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in McKinney is here to make insomnia a thing of the past. When you’re unable to fall asleep and only functioning after a few hours of rest each night, our team of highly skilled experts can offer an array of treatment options to make sure you begin to experience positive changes in your nightly sleep habits. Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re ready to consider alternative solutions to address your insomnia once and for all.