healthpoint chemist group
we value your health & wellness

The PHARMACIST talks about …

Insomnia

Everyone has the odd bad night lying awake unable to get to sleep.

Fortunately for most people this doesn't tend to happen very often, but if this seems to be your nightly routine then you may be diagnosed with insomnia.

In simple terms, insomnia can be classified as having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep on a regular basis. Poor sleeping patterns can leave a person feeling tired, irritable, anxious, depressed and unable to concentrate the next day.

The amount of sleep each person needs varies, but most people need between 6 and 10 hours sleep each night with this amount becoming less as we age. There are a whole range of causes of insomnia. Simple things such as, anxiety, stress and lack of exercise to more complicated reasons such as illness or sleep apnoea will often make sleep more difficult.

Some of the following lifestyles changes may help to fix this problem.

• Get fit. Exercise during the day but not just before bedtime
• Avoid caffeine or alcohol within 2-3 hours of bedtime
• Go to bed at the same time each night
• Stop smoking
• Learn to manage stress
• Eat a light evening meal
• Naps during the day may mean sleep is more elusive at night.

If none of these measures work, then a visit to your local Pharmacist or GP may be in order.There are a large range of medications which can help with insomnia, some can be bought over the counter while others need a doctors prescription.All of these medications are meant for short term use only and some will cause problems such as dependence or drowsiness the next day.

Feel free to come in to Healthpoint Chemist and ask our friendly staff for advice.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.