Q: I am a 39-year-old female who has suffered from insomnia for years. I used to take melatonin and it worked great until a few years ago. My doctor and I have tried everything – different diets, potassium, magnesium, sound machine, lavender, etc.
I am active and only drink ½ cup of caffeine-free coffee in the morning. I don’t read in bed. I started going to sleep later. I have been taking Lunesta 3 mg for about two years now. It is the only thing that seems to work. I have tried the past month to go without this aid and it is terrible. I wake up at least four times a night You can imagine my mood. Any ideas?
A: Insomnia is a rather common disorder that affects countless people. The insomniac generally takes longer to fall asleep and may get far fewer than the general eight hours we consider normal.
Are you under pressure at work? I’m not necessarily referring to physical activity, but to the mental stress that accompanies almost any job. If you have one or 100 workers under you and love every moment of your work day, the responsibility of keeping things going is still there. If you work in a coffee shop, you must make sure there are adequate supplies to get through the day. You may be in charge of relief workers if someone calls in sick. If you are a driver keeping schedules, timing is critical. So, with any position comes responsibilities and stress. Expanding on this theory, do you have a family member you care for financially, provide health care for, children that must visit the orthodontist on Tuesday, a dog that has to go to the vet at a specific time, or have to pick up groceries before returning home? Everything can impact on how you sleep.
Are you on over-the-counter or prescription drugs for blood pressure control, allergies, pain, decongestant, or a host of other issues that could have insomnia as a side effect? Some contain caffeine and stimulants that can have a bearing on sleep habits. Remember that caffeine is found in chewing gum, chocolate drinks, energy drinks, mints, vitamins and a host of other products. Do you have a glass of wine in the evening? While the alcohol may relax you, it may also prevent the deeper phases of sleep that recharge your batteries, so to speak. If you are a smoker, the nicotine in your cigarette may act as a stimulant.
The probability of insomnia increases as we age, with women being more likely to experience it than men. This may be due in part to hormonal changes within the body that occur during the menstrual cycle, during menopause,or simply with bodily changes and the aging process.
Have you tried yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, water aerobics, listening to soothing music, or even stress reduction therapy? Consider keeping a note pad of things to do that must be handled within the next day or two. Once you document them, you may be able to relax better.
In terms of your Lunesta, its continued use should be discussed with your family physician who knows your complete medical history. The recommendation is that it not be taken for longer than two weeks because it can become habit forming. Despite this, the medication should not be discontinued quickly and should not be used by individuals that have a history of addiction or drug abuse.
Readers who would like more information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Sleep/Wake Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to Peter H. Gott, MD Health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMd.com.
