You cannot sleep at night, and then you feel drowsy and sluggish during the whole day – it’s quite common for those who know perfectly well what insomnia is. There are many treatments and medications to treat this disorder.
For example, the scientists have recently come up with a new remedy for insomnia. According to Science Daily, the medicine was presented by the experts of one of American pharmaceutical companies. The medicine differs from similar drugs in its mechanism of action: it reduces the activity of orexin in the brain – that is a neurotransmitter which conducts signals associated with being awake.
What Causes Sleeplessness?
According to statistics, sleep disorders affect about 30% of the adult population. Most often it is a consequence of stress and chronic fatigue. But how can you deal with this disorder?
First you need to understand why a natural state of sleep is suddenly turned into something elusive. The best way to do it is to have a consultation with some specialist (a somnologist, a psychotherapist, a neurologist).
How Do Sleeping Pills Work?
Modern sleeping pills seem to solve the problem: you take the medicine and sleep. Many of them are based on a synthetic analogue of melatonin – a natural hormone, which is produced only during the dark period of the day and is responsible for the shift of the cycles of sleep and activity.
However, sleeping pills have unpleasant side effects. They include the risk of addiction and overdose. So it is better to try to help the body produce melatonin, and thus overcome insomnia. The most common recommendation is to create a comfortable place for sleep.
How to Fall Asleep without Sleeping Pills?
It is necessary that the room where you sleep should be dark – otherwise the production of melatonin will be worsened.
In addition, think of the comfort of your body: sleep on semi-rigid orthopedic mattresses and pillows, buy bed linen of calm shades of natural materials (silk or cotton). And finally, think about buying ear plugs – especially if your neighbors like to watch TV loud or your spouse snores.
No less important is the psychological comfort: stress interferes with melatonin production, and our hormonal system releases cortisol and adrenaline into the blood. Therefore, such methods of relaxation as a bathtub of hot water, a walk in the fresh air, a glass of milk or chamomile tea and listening to soothing music can cope with insomnia.
In any case, it is worth trying them before resorting to sleeping pills.
