Definition
Literally, the term "insomnia" refers to the "lack of dreams": this literal translation (from the Latin insomnia ) immediately gives a general view of this disorder: we are talking about a rather common condition, in which the affected subject struggles to falling asleep. It is not entirely correct to speak of insomnia as a disease; rather, it is a sign that unites many pathologies.
Causes
The difficulty in falling asleep may depend on psychological, emotional and physical factors, or on external insults (continuous noises): abuse of some drugs (for the treatment of colds, slimming drugs), drugs and alcohol, anxiety, intake of exciting substances ( eg caffeine), depression, physical pain, thyroid disease, premenstrual syndrome, stress. Insomnia appears to be more common among the elderly than young people.
Symptoms
Insomnia can be an occasional or frequent phenomenon, characterized by: difficulty falling asleep, inattention, headache, perception of not having rested already on waking, worries during sleep, repeated awakenings during sleep, daytime tiredness and sleepiness, tendency irritability.
Diet and Nutrition
Natural Care
Information on insomnia - drugs for the treatment of insomnia is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Insomnia - Drugs for the treatment of insomnia.
drugs
Before following a pharmacological path it is good to identify the reason behind the "insomnia" symptom; in fact, it would be inappropriate and unintelligent to start taking drugs when insomnia occurs occasionally and occasionally. In the case just described, the difficulty in falling asleep could be linked to a heavy day or an excessively abundant meal, therefore the administration of specific substances (hypnotics) to promote sleep is not recommended; many people, however, have a very unrealistic vision of ideal sleep, therefore, at the first difficulty in falling asleep they resort to the "pastiglietta". This behavior - it should be stressed once again - is wrong, since the immoderate and unregulated administration of hypnotic drugs can be addictive.
To prevent insomnia, it is possible to adopt simple rules, in order to obtain optimal sleep and wake up feeling rested (sleep hygiene):
- Always go to sleep at the same time
- Do not lie down shortly after dinner
- Avoid large meals that are difficult to digest, especially in the evening
- The bedroom should only be used for sleeping, certainly not for work (avoid the computer in the bedroom)
- Do not drink coffee or tea before going to bed
- Avoid afternoon rest
- Practice some relaxation rules before sleeping
- Avoid alcohol: it is known to all that "alcohol creates drowsiness", but few know that alcohol "creates drowsiness in the short term", which means that at first the administration of alcohol could create a certain desire to sleep but, once their effects are over, it is very likely to wake up during sleep.
When insomnia is caused by alcoholism, it is recommended to undertake a pharmacological treatment possibly associated with adequate psychological support for the treatment of the primary disease.
Even if the insomnia depends on psychological alterations, emotional disorders or anxiety syndrome it is appropriate to undertake an adequate therapeutic procedure.
Anxiolytic / sedative and antidepressant drugs: the administration of these drugs is indicated to treat severe chronic insomnia, accompanied by psychological disorders that hinder not only sleep, but also the social life of the subject who is affected. Even if the symptoms of insomnia disappear after a few days after the administration of these drugs, the sudden and abrupt interruption of the treatment is strongly discouraged: in fact, such a gesture could cause the typical rebound effect, thus causing relapses, accompanied by sometimes more symptoms serious of the previous disturbance.
- Zaeplon (eg. Zerene, Sonata): it is a hypnotic / sedative drug, indicated to treat insomnia in the context of particularly pronounced anxiety and stress. The product, available in 5 and 10 mg capsules, is particularly indicated for subjects who complain of obvious difficulty in falling asleep and, subject to medical prescription, can only be taken when the disorder is severe. Take 5-10 mg of active just before bedtime; the duration of therapy should not last more than two weeks. Do not take in case of liver and kidney diseases.
- Zolpidem (eg Stilnox, Nottem, Zolpidem DOC): the drug belongs to the pharmacological class of hypnotics / sedatives and anxiolytics. It is recommended to take the drug only if really necessary, under a doctor's prescription. Start therapy with 10 mg of active, to be taken by mouth with water, or to be placed under the tongue (without water), just before bedtime. Do not extend the therapy beyond 7-10 days. Slow-release tablets can be taken at a dose of 12.5 mg, just before bedtime for night rest.
- Ramelteon (eg Rozerem): hypnotic-sedative drug. This drug should also be taken only in cases of severe insomnia. Indicatively, it is recommended to take the drug orally at a dose of 8 mg, 30 minutes before bedtime, as needed. Do not exceed with doses.
- Lorazepam (eg. Control, Tavor, Zeloram, Lorans): the drug belongs to the pharmacological class of benzodiazepines with anticonvulsant action. In addition to treating insomnia, lorazepam is indicated for treating disorders related to anxiety, epilepsy, nausea and vomiting. For the treatment of insomnia, take 2-4 mg of active just before bedtime.
- Flurazepam (eg Felison, Flunox, Dalmadorm, Valdorm): this benzodiazepine is indicated exclusively for inducing sleep in the context of anxiety. The indicative dose is 15 mg a day, before going to bed; in some patients, it is necessary to take a double dose (30 mg). Do not exceed with doses. Consult your doctor.
- Diphenhydramine (eg. Aliserin, Difeni C FN): hypnotic-sedative and antihistamine drug. It is recommended to take a dose of medication varying from 25 to 50 mg, just before going to bed.
- Amitriptyline (eg Laroxyl, Triptizol, Adepril): tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and to treat insomnia in the context of stress and depression disorders. The dose should be established by the doctor based on the severity of the condition.
- Gabapentin (eg. Gabapentin, Apentin, Gabexine, Neurontin): the drug is an anticonvulsant also indicated for the treatment of insomnia. It is not the drug of choice for treating insomnia. Consult your doctor for dosage.
Magnesium Orotate : it is a magnesium salt complexed with orotic acid (vitamin B13): magnesium, in fact, is an element strongly used by the body in case of stress, consequently, when insomnia depends on stress, administration magnesium orotate is particularly recommended, precisely because the body is lacking. Magnesium complexed with organic compounds is a valid combination, as they make the mineral more available.
Melatonin (eg. Circadin, Melatonin 3 Sublingual): melatonin is available as capsules, slow-release tablets or drops. The choice to take tablets or drops is subjective, and the doctor recommends the most suitable pharmaceutical form for the patient. For example, in the form of slow-release tablets, to treat insomnia, it is recommended to take 2 grams of active a couple of hours before bedtime, preferably on a full stomach. Repeat the treatment for three weeks. Do not use in case of renal and hepatic dysfunction. In the form of drops, it is recommended to take 4 drops before going to bed (each drop contains about 0.25 mg of active).
Phytotherapy and insomnia
In the case of minor insomnia, phytotherapy plays a prestigious role: it is recommended to prepare a relaxing herbal tea, formulated with some of the following drugs: hawthorn, chamomile, escolzia, griffonia, hops, melilot, melissa, poppy, passionflower linden and valerian.
The plants described above belong to the category of soporific and hypnotic drugs, able, that is, to exert a good calming and anxiolytic effect on the organism, counteracting insomnia.
