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Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder which someone is not able to fall or stay asleep as long as they need. It can lead to unnecessary stress and irritable moods during the day.

298 Questions

Does xanax help with insomnia?

Generally it will and it really helps people who can't go to sleep because of anxiety.

What is a good herbal remedy to overcome the symptoms of insomnia?

Insomnia is a common problem for millions of people. There are many prescriptions available but over the counter and home-remedy cures are available. A warm cup of milk before bed will help relax the body. A warm cup of tea also helps. A warm bath with bath salts will further help to calm the stresses of everyday life.

What are some remedies to cure insomnia?

There are several things someone can do to help their sleep terror. A person might want to talk to a psychologist to find out why they are having difficulties while sleeping. Sleep terrors can happen if a person is to stressed, or have some kind of mental problem they are unaware of.

What are the side effects of insomnia?

The possible side effects are as follows, Daytime drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, constipation, diarrhea, and dry mouth AMBIEN is considered a safe sleep aid when taken as directed. It is not a barbituate, but rather a HYPNOTIC. It has the least amount of side effects of most sleeping pills. It puts you into a state where you fall asleep quickly and most times does not create next day "fogginess" or "dopiness". It's generally used for SHORT term insomnia, and it CAN become psychologically dependent, but most doctors stay on top of it. DO NOT drink alcohol with it, as you will find yourself unable to stand up or negotiate stairs. Take with water or juice and hop into bed; it acts that quickly. OTHER strong sleeping pills can make you feel "out of it" the next day and also make you feel nauseated. (Remember when President Bush puked on the Head Of State in China?) Stay away from that crap. If Ambien doesn't suit you well, ask for Rozeram or Lunesta. GOOD LUCK.<> === === On March 14, 2007, the FDA issued a warning regarding the risks associated with Ambien and similar drugs. It warned that Ambien and similar drugs can cause "complex sleep-related behaviors which may include sleep-driving, making phone calls, and preparing and eating food (while asleep)." When this happens, the FDA advised that the person has "no memory of the event." Similar warnings were issued by the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee in 2002 and then again in 2007. It cautioned to "be alert to the fact that zolpidem [Ambien] may be associated with distressing neurological or psychiatric reactions …." Similarly, the instructions for Ambien, which were approved by the FDA and are dated August 29, 2005, advise that: "A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of sedative/hypnotics. Some of these changes may be characterized by decreased inhibition (e.g., aggressiveness and extroversion that seemed out of character), similar to effects produced by alcohol and other CNS depressants. Visual and auditory hallucinations have been reported as well as behavioral changes such as bizarre behavior, agitation, and depersonalization. Amnesia, anxiety and other neuro-psychiatric symptoms may occur unpredictably." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also described the behavior exhibited by drivers stopped for DUI who, were not intoxicated with alcohol, but instead found to be on Ambien. NHTSA describes the behavior of Ambien drivers to include "erratic driving (weaving, lane travel), slow and slurred speech, slow reflexes, dazed appearance, disorientation, confusion, loss of balance and coordination, loss of short-term memory, blacking out, somnolence, dilated pupils, double vision, poor performance on field sobriety tests, poor attention, and an inability to stand or walk unassisted." This description is consistent with the information contained on the Mayo Clinic web site which states: "Some changes that have occurred in people taking this medicine are like those seen in people who drink alcohol and then act in a manner that is not normal." When these side effects of Ambien are viewed as a percentage of the total number of people taking Ambien, they can be categorized as rare. But, when viewed by the frequency of cases reported, they are not insignificant. For example, Wisconsin is a state that tests for Ambien whenever a person is charged with DUI. In that state alone, the number of drivers stopped for DUI and testing positive for Ambien has gone from 24 in 2000 to 53 in 2005. Indeed, the number of people who have suffered these strange behaviors are sufficient for them to have acquired a special name. They are called "Ambien Zombies." The type of behaviors that people have experienced from Ambien vary widely. The most commonly reported are "sleep walking," "sleep eating," and "sleep driving." However, one common thread that appears consistent throughout is amnesia. The people who experience these behaviors are in a twilight zone at the time, somewhere between sleep and wakefulness. They are not conscious of their behavior and, afterwards, do not recall anything about what they have done. For example, Ken Sassower, a staff neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston said that a colleague who had taken Ambien, could not recall advising residents on rounds the next morning even though he made those rounds. In other cases, 1. People have made phone calls or sent E-mails they don't remember, have ordered items from shopping channels they don't recall, have done laundry, cooked, cleaned the house, moved furniture, and found all sorts of debris in their kitchens from late night snacks they don't remember. 2. They've eaten things like non-edible objects, raw eggs, uncooked vegetables, and even cigarettes with no recollection of ever doing these things. 3. Still others have reported that, after falling asleep on Ambien, they took more Ambien without any recollection of doing so and one person reported taking all of her allergy medication, with no recollection of taking it. She only realized she had taken the allergy medication when she found the medicine bottle empty the next morning. 4. A physician in South Dakota reported that he sent a mass e-mail one night, full of foul language, to many friends and family inviting them to go on vacation to Mexico. 5. In another case, a New York lab technician was assaulted twice after taking Ambien when she opened her door for a stranger, something she said she would have never done if she'd been conscious. 6. The behaviors can be quite bizarre. For example, one woman colored her daughter purple while she was sleeping, another woman painted her front door without being conscious of doing it, and another woman defacated during the night in her closets and on the basement floor. None of them had any recollection of these events. And, in London, a girl left her house and climbed to the top of a 40 meter crane. 8. In many cases, after taking Ambien, people have driven in their sleep with no recollection of what happened the next morning. Doctors affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical Center reported the cases of two Ambien users who told them they slept-drove to the supermarket while under the drug's influence but had no recollection of doing this the next day. In a separate Internet posting, a man reported that he woke up in his driveway with his car bumper in the front seat of his car with him. While he has no recollection of what occurred, he presumed he ran over something in the middle of the night, pulled his (plastic) bumper off, put it in the front seat and drove home. In another case, a woman, after taking Ambien, woke up in a hotel two hours from her home with no recollection of driving anywhere. Ambien has even blemished the pristine driving record of a registered nurse in Denver. After taking Ambien and going to bed, she got into her car wearing only a thin nightshirt in 20-degree weather. After having a fender bender, she urinated in the middle of the intersection and became violent to police officers. 9. With respect to the hallucinations that can be caused by Ambien, one person writes: "I would literally see images, like faces, in the walls or in the designs of tile floors." And another person relates experiencing "crazy nightmares that upon waking I swear these were real and that I had actually talked to the people in the dream." 10. One woman reports that she was awaken by her daughter about 4 hours after taking Ambien. Her daughter asked her to sign some papers, which she did, after which she made breakfast for her and her daughter. Thereafter, she drove her daughter to her friend's house and then drove both of them to school. On the way back home, she stopped a strange man in a vehicle and approached him for his phone number but, after refusing her request, she gave him her phone number. Thereafter, she drove home and slammed her car into the garage wall. She then telephoned her father and told him about hitting the wall with her car. Later, she could remember nothing about any of these events. 11. Another person reported, that after going to sleep on Ambien, he was awakened by a friend. Subsequently, he did not recall anything about his friend awakening him or what he did after he was awoken. However, his friend told him that, when he awoke, he became violent and exhibited multi-personalities each with a different voice. 12. There are also cases that involve side effects experienced the day after ingesting Ambien. Indeed, the manufacturer's instructions, dated August 29, 2005, recognizes this when it warns that patients may experience effects "that may occur the day following ingestion." Examples of instances reported include one person who reported that he woke up 16 hours after taking Ambien and his wife and children described him as a "walking zombie." He "cooked up a storm," "emptied a ¼ bottle of vodka," and trashed the bedroom. His wife and children tried to wake him up but they were unsuccessful. Typical of Ambien side effects, he had no recollection of any of these events. In another case, a woman reports that, 14 hours after taking Ambien, she wrecked two cars in one day and has "little recollection of the incidents." Another person described his next day experiences this way: "I feel so incredibly agitated, drugged and disoriented the next day, that I think I'd rather just feel sleep deprived. It affects my memory and my fine motor coordination and I tremble. I even tried taking a nap during the next day but this doesn't relieve the drugged, disoriented feeling." In another case, an attorney who had been taking Ambien for three years without incident, reported that he has begun to experience some loss of memory and mental acuity during the day and, at a social gathering one night, found himself misstating things. In another case, a man reports that "I just don't remember my morning events for about 3 or 4 hours after I wake up." One morning, after going to work, he went to Starbucks but had no recollection of it until someone mentioned it to him that night. AMBIEN'S MECHANISM OF ACTION (I am not a doctor but this is what I have learned about the way Ambien works) Ambien interacts with the GABAa receptor. GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the brain, occurring in 30-40% of all synapses (second only to glutamate as a major brain neurotransmitter). The method by which Ambien works is to increase the affinity of the GABAa receptor to GABA. When GABA binds with a GABAa receptor, (more specifically, the BZ1 subunit of the GABAa receptor) it opens an ion channel that allows Cl- to enter the cell. This results in an electrical change that inhibits or suppresses the post-synaptic neuron from firing. Since GABA is competing with excitatory neurotransmitters, the degree to which it inhibits or suppresses the firing of the postsynaptic neuron is dependent on the number of receptors to which GABA actually binds and the concomitant amount of Cl- that enters the cell through the ion channel. By increasing the affinity of the GABAa receptor to GABA, Ambien increases the number of GABAa receptors to which GABA actually binds. The result is that more ion channels open to allow Cl- into the cell. The more Cl- that enters the cell, the greater is the inhibitory or suppressive effect upon the postsynaptic neuron's ability to fire. By inhibiting or suppressing the firing of postsynaptic neurons in different parts of the brain in this manner, Ambien suppresses or interferes with the normal operation of the brain's mechanisms. The exact effect depends upon what areas of the brain the firing of the postsynaptic neurons are being inhibited or suppressed and the degree of the inhibition or suppression. One of the regions of the brain containing a high concentration of GABA is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus affects feeding behavior, metabolism, motor activity, and plays an important role in the control of sleep. Another portion of the brain in which one of the highest concentrations of GABA is found is the hippocampus. This area of the brain plays an essential role in memory formation. It's responsible for the transfer of information into memory. Its importance is illustrated by the fact that damage to the hippocampus can result in substantial difficulties in forming new memories (anterograde amnesia) and can affect access to memories prior to the damage (retrograde amnesia). GABA is also found in high concentrations in the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia affect things like the ability to control speech and movement.

What natural remedies can one use at home for insomnia?

  • PASSION FLOWER- This herb eases anxiety-induced insomnia. It's very calming and eases muscle spasms that can be very painful and keep you awake. One warning: Passion flower can cause sleepiness, so it would be advisable to avoid driving for a few hours after use.
  • PEPPERMINT- Used as a tea, it eases digestion, relieves gas and helps with insomnia. Don't take peppermint if you are on iron supplements as it tends to interfere with the absorption of iron.
  • RED CLOVER- Take as a tea for inner cleansing.

    It has been used for years as a spring tonic. It's also very relaxing. It has been mentioned as a cure for cancer but talk to your doctor before using it for this purpose.

  • REISHI MUSHROOM- Another surprising entry on a list of herbal remedies, but the Chinese have long known that his strange looking mushroom eases anxiety and calms the nervous system. A common ingredient in Chinese cookery, it is also a help for those with insomnia. Some research has been done as to its usefulness in AIDS treatment.
  • SAGE- Good old garden variety sage eases depression and is good for the nerves. Use it when you cook the evening meal, or as a calming tea. The variety known as Clary works best.
  • ST. JOHN'S WORT- This herb was named for St. John the Baptist who was beheaded. The red resin is said to resemble blood. St. John's wort is good for mild depression and anxiety, and it improves the quality of sleep. Although it has been shown to be poisonous to cattle, it is safe for human consumption of taken in the prescribed dosage. It can cause sensitivity to sunlight so avoid over -exposure. also, don't take St. John's wort if you are taking a medication that contains MAO inhibitors. This herb is being studied for possible use in HIV and AIDS treatment.
  • St. John's Wort doesn't actually poison cattle, but if taken in VERY high doses, causes sun sensitivity to them, as it does to humans. It is necessary to inform your physician that you are using St. John's Wort if you are preparing to undergo surgery.*
  • SIBERIAN GINSENG- Unlike most of the other herbs I have mentioned, Siberian Ginseng gives you a lift. It's good for the treatment of depression, lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome. Don't take this herb if you are already hyperactive or if you are suffering from nervous tension.. It should also be avoided by those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure.)
  • Usually ginseng will keep you from sleeping because it "pumps you up."*
  • SPEARMINT- Spearmint is a great aid to digestion, and relieves gas. It has a calming effect on the entire body. A few drops on your pillow can be very soothing.
  • THYME- Another common cooking herb, thyme is also excellent for treating nervous disorders and also respiratory problems. Try it as a tea or put a bit into your pillow.
  • VALERIAN- This is probably the best known herbal remedy for sleeplessness. It eases both nervous tension and muscle tension. It's great for combating stress and relieving insomnia. Valerian tea is a natural sedative. High doses could cause paralysis and a weakened heartbeat, but used as the package suggests, and it is a very beneficial aid to sleep. It is known as the Valium of the nineteenth century.

    WOOD BETONY- Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, Wood Betony is good for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease. It's also great for calming anyone's nerves and promoting sleep. Use it as a substitute for black tea. The taste is very similar, but it contains no caffeine.

What do you do if your child keeps waking up in the middle of the night?

Some children just wake up more than others. The reasons can vary with age, but there are usually some simple explanations.

Babies need to get into a routine. If you just hear them stirring, or even whimpering a little, it doesn't hurt to just settle themselves back in. They usually will fall back asleep on their own. If they begin crying, and continue to cry, they are usually trying to let you know they are not comfortable. They could be hungry, wet, or just in need of a little comforting. Some say that you will spoil them by going to them in the night, but after raising my own, that simply isn't true. As long as you take care of their needs, and then lay them back in their own bed to go back to sleep, you are simply helping them to get a better night's rest. This will help establish patterns, even if it wears you out in the beginning. In the long run, it will pay off. There are other issues that can also be a problem. Colic is somewhat common in infants. If their little belly seems blown up, or they just cry and cry, and you cannot comfort them, this could be an issue. Check with their doctor. It is usually easily treated with a new formula, or anti-gas drops.

As toddlers get older, the reasons begin to change. If they are waking up throughout the night, it could have to do with a smaller bladder. They may need to use the restroom, or they may have wet the bed. If bedwetting is a consistent problem, keep a change of linens and pajamas on hand. Do not fuss at them, or make them feel bad. They couldn't help it. Having the stuff on hand makes it so it can be dealt with quickly, and they can get right back to sleep. Also, their imaginations are beginning to grow, so they may be insecure. Any noise can be the monster under the bed. You may also want to consider factors such as passing headlights, nearby train tracks, and hot water heaters that click on throughout the night. Also, the mattresses in most toddler beds are pretty cheaply made. Try laying on the child's bed. See if you are still comfortable in twenty minutes. In our youngest daughter's case, a new mattress made all the difference. Other toddlers are coming into an age that they want to test their limits. Three year olds can sniff out weakness like a lioness. You have to be firm, consistent, and as drama free as possible. After you talk to them, and make sure there is no real problem, promptly walk them straight back to their bed. Keep in mind that you children are full of energy. If they spent the afternoon watching television or sitting in their room playing with toys, you are probably not going to get them to stay in that bed. You have to do something to burn off the energy, give them their bath, have a little quiet time, and then send them to bed.

Sometimes, there are more serious or deep seated issues going on.

  • Sexual/Physical Abuse
  • Night Terrors
  • Hallucinations
  • Schizophrenia
  • Sleep Apnea

These are more rare, but can be a possibility. There will often be daytime symptoms to go along with these problems. If the issue seems very severe, or persistent, you need to talk to your child's doctor. They can evaluate the situation, and maybe even order a sleep study. There are therapies, changes in habits, natural cures, and in some situations, medications that can help.

Difference between primary and secondary insomnia?

Insomnia, as most chronic or acte conditions has two major categories. Primary Insomnia

is difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking up too early with no apparent reason

(idiopathic). Secondary insomnia would be difficulty sleeping due to an underlying condition, such as Restless Legs Syndrome, chronic pain issues such as Fibromyalgia. Pain is the

number one issue that keeps people from sleeping. Sleep apnea is another sleep disorder that can interfere with your sleep and cause insomnia.

If you have insomnia for more than 4-8 weeks, and it starts interfering with you life, work or family, the it is time to talk with the doctor. There can be so many reasons for Insomnia.

Good sleep hygiene is essential- going to bed at the same time every night, develop a routine, find some coping skills like meditation with music, progressive muscle relaxation.

If necessary talk to your doctor about a medication to help. Once your circadian clock is disturbed from it's regular routine it is extremely hard to get back on schedule.

http://www.sleepeducation.com is an excellent web site for Insomnia and other sleep disorders. A patient that is proactive and seeks knowledge has more power over the situation than one who does not ask questions. Getting the right treatment is key, and

reading all you can about insomnia, you will feel better just knowing that there are others out there that are going through the same thing you are.

How do you fight insomnia without pills or herbal tea?

First, you should make sure where you are sleeping is comfortable. Some foods such as turkey and milk are found to help people sleep. A warm bath is supposed to relax as well.

The best way is to exercise more, swimming laps is best if there is an indoor pool in your community.

Can xanax and trazadone be taken together for insomnia?

Noone can really tell you unless they are a licensed pharmacist or psychiatrist etc. but I highly doubt there is any reaction considering trazodone consists of potentiating serotonin and norepinephrine, but xanax depressed subcortical levels of cns, so unless you take high doses I think it will be perfectly fine.

What are the demographics of primary insomnia?

It is estimated that 35% of adults in the United States experience insomnia during any given year, but the number of these adults who are experiencing true primary insomnia is unknown.

What disease causes light and audio sensitivity painful urine rare BM joint pain sinus insomnia lethargy mental block heartburn ennui insomnia and mania?

Let me guess -- the doctors have no idea what you have. :)

There's a very good chance you have Celiac disease. Look it up. They're finding out it's much more common than it was ever believed (a recent study showed 1 in 113 people have it). The symptoms are very broad, which makes it hard to diagnose. I recently finally figured out that I had it. See this article, and especially read the comments:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=celiac-disease-insights

How many milligrams of Xanax is used for insomnia?

This varies, but on average it would be between 0.5mg - 1mg taken at Bedtime. Tolerance does build with extended use of this med. Xanax ( Alprazolam ) is not FDA approves for the treatment of insomnia but is frequently prescribed "Off-Label" as a sleep aid. Available strengths: 0.25mg (white)

0.5mg (orange). 1mg (blue) 2mg (white long rectangle ) shape is Oval (commonly

referred to as "footballs" for .25 to 1mg. And referred to as "Bars" for the 2mg pill

Does Cipro cause insomnia?

yes it does, in about 10% patients.

What do people with sleep insomnia look like?

They just look tired. I suffer with insomnia, but being female i cant hide dark circles under my eyes with make up and also being a glasses wearer people dont generally notice... we just look like the average person, just a tad sleepy

Can you massage someone with insomnia?

Yes. Massage is very good for people that have sleep disorders because it helps normalize their circadian rhythms that govern sleep; mainly through the pineal gland and hypothalamus. The hormone that regulates sleep is melatonin.

How do you fall asleep at night when you have insomnia?

Try reading a book, This tires your eyes out and will help you fall asleep a little fast. There are also medications over and under the counter, Talk to you doctor and see what one is best for you.

What is isomnac?

Insomnia is a disorders that causes individuals to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

What is the song meaning of Insomnia?

Want of sleep; inability to sleep; wakefulness; sleeplessness.

Is insomnia serious?

Insomnia can be incredibly serious. Sleep is one of the functions that our body does to maintain good health. While you are sleeping, your body is not only re-energizing, but your body is working very actively to repair damaged tissue. Sleep is also necessary for growth; in children and infants, cells are reproducing while they sleep at an incredible rate, which is why a lot of growing and developing takes place while they sleep.

If the lack of sleep starts to affect daily life, or if you aren't feeling too well because of the lack of sleep, then it is time to consider your insomnia serious. If you start to have problems focusing, socializing, or you feel physically weak, then the insomnia is serious enough to seek medicinal help.

What disability do you get from insomnia?

Insomnia is not considered a disabling condition by the American government or employers.

If you have rheumatoid does insomnia go with it?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be acompany insomnia. Statistics show that 72 percent of arthritis sufferers over age 55 have a sleep disorders, with more than half of them suffering from insomnia.I have a pretty serious case if the disease however I have never had a problem with insomnia. I have been woken up as a result of rolling onto a painful spot but that is not insomnia.