Question:

What causes Insomnia and what can one do to prevent it or deal with it?

Answer from the doctor:

Insomnia is a condition of inadequate quantity or quality of sleep. It is most commonly due to the common stresses of modern life. Poor lifestyle adds to the dilemma as a balanced diet and exercise considerably adds to coping skills.

Heavy meals at night, alcohol and caffeine containing drinks worsen insomnia.

Social and spiritual support is essential to cope with life's trials and tribulations. People are not "islands unto themselves".

Medical help should be sought in all instances where insomnia persists.

Doctors understand that drugs are inappropriate to treat chronic insomnia, because tolerance and dependence develops and in the end are totally ineffective.

Hypnotic drugs are therefore only useful for short-term treatment of insomnia due to acute stress caused by, for example, a new job or bereavement.

Behavioural therapy such as relaxation exercises is helpful.

In the minority of cases where insomnia results from definite psychiatric illness, treatment should be directed towards the underlying condition.

Insomnia is a presenting symptom of depressive and other psychiatric illnesses. Specialised treatment is always indicated for these conditions.

Got a question? Email the doctor at highlife@metropolis.co.za