Read up on Insomnia in adults treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Insomnia in adults

Key points about treatments

In the long run, therapies that don't involve taking medications may work better for insomnia (poor-quality sleep). They also have fewer risks than drug treatments. There are some things you can try at home. Your doctor might also recommend a non-drug treatment. Sleeping pills can also help if your insomnia is severe. But they don't treat the cause of your sleeplessness, and they have side effects.

Key messages about treatments for insomnia

There are some simple things you can do that might help you sleep better. To learn more, see How to get a good night's sleep.
A talking treatment called

cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of talking treatment (psychotherapy). It is based on the idea that the negative thoughts and beliefs people have play an important role in how they feel and how they act. CBT helps people identify, look at and change unwanted thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you sleep better. CBT aims to change how you feel, think and behave.
Regular exercise may help, too, but don't do it just before bedtime.
Your doctor might prescribe sleeping pills if your insomnia is severe, making your life difficult and causing you a lot of distress.
You shouldn't take sleeping pills for more than four weeks because you can become dependent on them. You may find it hard to sleep without taking a pill at night.
More research is needed to know how safe sleeping pills are for older people (over 65), especially if they're taking other medications as well.

This information was last updated on Feb 05, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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