INSOMNIA

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INSOMNIA

• What to do when you cant sleep
• By
• Amanda Turnbo

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Information for patients
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Information for patients

• Many patients have difficulty sleeping from time
  to time.
• It is important to determine the specific kind of
  insomnia you are experiencing

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What kind of insomnia do you have?

• TRANSIENT- lasts only a few days and is often
  related to travel or stress
• SHORT-TERM- lasts no longer than 3 weeks. It is
  due to severe stress such as the death of a loved
  one or loss of a job
• CHRONIC- can often last from months to years. It
  is usually due to medical problems, psychological
  problems, or substance abuse
• If you have had trouble sleeping continuously for
  more than 3 weeks, you should make an appointment
  with your physician

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Is your medicine keeping you awake?

• Consult your physician if you are taking any of
  the following medications
• propranolol
• antiarrhythmics
• oral contraceptives
• methyldopa
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones
• fluoxetine
• diuretics at bedtime
• decongestants
• antihistamines
• asthma medicines
• caffeine
• nicotine
• DO NOT stop taking your medicine unless directed
  by your doctor

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Before you try medicinal sleep aidstry these
non-drug therapies

• Go to bed and arise at the same time every day
• Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable
  temperature
• Make sure the bedroom is as dark as possible
• Engage in relaxing activities before bed

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• Get plenty of exercise, but not late in the
  evening
• Do not use the bedroom as an office
• Eliminate daytime naps
• If you feel hungry, eat a light snack, but avoid
  large meals 4-5 hours before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine after 1200pm
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine use in the evening

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• If you are unable to fall asleep, do not become
  anxious. Think of a relaxing place, or leave the
  bedroom to participate in an activity such as
  reading until you become sleepy.

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Still cant sleep?

• Try a sleep aid containing an antihistamine
• Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine found in
  Compoz, Nytol, Sominex, and Unisom SleepGels
• Doxylamine is an antihistamine found in Nytol
  Maximum Strength and Unisom SleepTabs

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Important information about antihistamine sleep
aids

• Read the patient instructions carefully to
  determine the dose you need based on your age
• Do not give to children under 12 years of age
• Take about 30 minutes before bedtime
• Do not use these products for more than 14 days.
  If you are still having problems after that time,
  you should see your doctor

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Common adverse effects of antihistamine sleep aids

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Breathing problems
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears

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Special concerns with antihistamines

• There are a few people who should avoid taking
  these medications
• Older males with prostate problems
• Patients with narrow angle glaucoma
• Patients with chest pain or cardiac problems

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Combination Sleep Aids-Diphenhydramine and
Acetaminophen

• Tylenol Pm and Exedrine Pm
• These contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) along with
  the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
• You should avoid taking these unless you are
  having trouble sleeping due to occasional minor
  aches and pains.

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Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness

• If you would rather try an herbal product, you
  may want to consider the following
• Chamomile
• Hops
• Passion flower

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Methods Used for Sleeplessness
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A few last things

• While over the counter sleep aids can be helpful
  for a short time, it is very important that you
  see your physician if you have difficulty
  sleeping for more than two weeks at a time
• If you have questions about the product to
  select, feel free to ask your pharmacist to
  assist you.