En Español (Spanish Version)

by Randall B

Treatments for Insomnia

The treatment and management of insomnia depends on its underlying cause. Transient or intermittent insomnia may not need treatment since it lasts only a few days. When treatment is needed it may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments.
The first step in treating insomnia is to identify and treat any underlying medical or psychological problems. The ultimate goal is to achieve a normal and restorative pattern of sleep.
Treatment involves the following:
Lifestyle changesMedicationsOther treatmentsComplementary and alternative treatments

References

Can't Sleep? What to know about insomnia. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/insomnia-and-sleep. Accessed May 15, 2013.

How is insomnia treated? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/inso/treatment.html. Updated December 13, 2011. Accessed May 15, 2013.

Insomnia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated April 11, 2013. Accessed May 15, 2013.

Insomnia. Quick Answers to Medical Diagnosis and Therapy. Access Medicine website. Available at: http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3267380. Accessed May 15, 2013

Parmet S, Burke A, Glass RM. Insomnia. JAMA Patient Page. 2006 June 28.295(24).

Revision Information

Health Library Search

Only show results from the selected categories.
1 Delirium Tremens condition

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe disturbance of the brain caused by alcohol withdrawal....

2 Drug Withdrawal condition

Drug withdrawal is a reaction the body can have if a person suddenly stops using drugs or alcohol. This can occur if the person has been using drugs or alcohol regularly....

3 Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition

Alcohol abuse is problem drinking that negatively impacts your life. For example, you may experience one or more of these issues due to alcohol abuse: Alcoholism or alco...

4 Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
5 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
6 Medications for Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse condition indepth
7 Reducing Your Risk of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
8 Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
9 Screening for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
10 Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
11 Talking to Your Doctor About Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
12 Treatments for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
13 Conditions InDepth: Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
14 Resource Guide for Alcoholism condition indepth
15 Korsakoff's Syndrome condition

Korsakoff's syndrome is a group of symptoms that affect memory. It is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 , also known as thiamine. It mainly affects short-term memory. A rela...

16 Insomnia condition

Insomnia is a sleep disorder. It may cause a number of sleep problems including trouble falling asleep, waking in the middle of the night or waking very early in the morn...

17 Diagnosis of Insomnia condition indepth
18 Conditions InDepth: Insomnia condition indepth
19 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Insomnia condition indepth
20 Medications for Insomnia condition indepth