Getting enough sleep is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, as important as nutritious food and exercise. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep at night.  Insomnia is short or poor quality sleep, that affects functioning during the day. It can be trouble falling asleep, waking up a lot with trouble returning to sleep, waking up too early in the morning, or feeling like you haven’t slept at all.

Insomnia is a very common problem, affecting both mental and physical health. It can make you feel tired all day, irritable and depressed. It may lead to trouble thinking clearly and concentrating. Chronic insomnia increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Acute insomnia is in response to a stressful or traumatic life event and can last a few days to a few weeks. Chronic insomnia means sleep problems occur at least three nights a week, for more than a month. It doesn’t take long before you’re worrying about worrying keeping you awake. These are the top 10 causes of insomnia:

1. Depression and/or anxiety
2. Chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis
3. Gastrointestinal problems, such as heartburn
4. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
5. Stroke
6. Alzheimer’s disease
7. Menopause
8. Some medicines, such as those used to treat allergies, asthma, colds, or heart problems
9. Caffiene, tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs
10. Poor sleep environment, such as too much light or noise

10 Ways to Sleep Better

1. Keep a consistent schedule – go to bed at the same time each night.
2. Avoid caffiene, nicotine, and alcohol late in the day or evening.
3. Get regular physical activity, but not within three hours of bedtime.
4. Don’t eat a heavy meal within 2-3 hours of bedtime; a light snack at bedtime may help you fall asleep.
5. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool; a fan or “white noise” machine can help.
6. Follow a routine to wind down before sleep, such as reading a book, or listening to music.
7. If you don’t feel drowsy or can’t sleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed; read or do a quiet activity until you’re sleepy, then return to bed; you may need to repeat this step.
8. If you lie awake worrying, make a “to do” list before bed; you may rest more easily when you have a plan for those worries.
9. Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
10. Avoid napping. If you must nap, limit rest to 30 minutes; don’t nap after 3 pm.

See your doctor about insomnia that persists, especially with daytime symptoms, BEFORE buying or using an over-the-counter (OTC) sleep medicine. If your doctor suggests an OTC or prescription medication, read and follow the instructions.

Sleep medicine can have potentially deadly effects while awake – confusion, light-headedness, drowsiness, amnesia, and sudden dropping off to sleep can occur. When it’s time to stop using sleep medicine, see your doctor. Some medicines must be stopped gradually.