The medical approach
Insomnia is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) as difficulty getting to sleep, staying asleep or having non-restorative sleep despite having adequate opportunity for sleep, together with associated impairment of daytime functioning, with symptoms being present for at least 4 weeks.
Melatonin has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia, particularly among people aged over 55 years. However, melatonin is more effective as a chronobiotic for treating body clock conditions like jetlag and delayed sleep phase disorder than as a treatment for chronic insomnia
Sedating antidepressants (eg, doxepin, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, trimipramine), sedating antipsychotics (eg, quetiapine, olanzapine) and antihistamines are used off-label as sleep medications, despite insufficient evidence.
Among herbal and alternative medication choices for treating insomnia, valerian has the most evidence showing possible mild improvements in sleep latency, with inconsistent effects on the rest of the objective sleep parameters. Although valerian shows some promise in improving sleep latency without side effects, the clinical trials are poorly designed and generally of short duration.
Pharmacological treatment of insomnia
Although psychological and behavioural interventions are indispensable and effective for most insomnia sufferers, some will still need the extra help from pharmacological agents. Current medications and natural products used for insomnia include benzodiazepine- receptor agonists, melatonin and variants, antidepressants, antipsychotics and antihistamines.
Insomnia is a very common disorder that has significant long-term health consequences. Australian population surveys have shown that 13%–33% of the adult population have regular difficulty either getting to sleep or staying asleep
Insomnia is complex and usually chronic by the time the individual consults a health practitioner, with cognitive, behavioural and social factors involved in its maintenance. Simple instructions, such as avoiding stress, or short- term use of hypnotics are usually not effective..
Non-pharmacological treatment of insomnia
Cognitive behaviour therapy aimed at treating insomnia (CBT-i) targets maladaptive behaviour and thoughts that may have developed during insomnia or have contributed to its development. CBT-i is considered to be the gold standard in treating insomnia, with effect sizes similar to or greater than those seen with hypnotic drugs and, unlike with hypnotics, maintenance of effect after cessation of therapy. These effects are seen in both primary and
comorbid insomnia. However it is expensive, labor intensive and therefore beyond the reach of many.
Stimulus control is a reconditioning treatment forcing discrimination between daytime and sleeping environments. For the poor sleeper, the bedroom triggers associations with being awake and aroused. Treatment involves removing all stimuli that are potentially sleep- incompatible (reading, watching television and use of computers) and excluding sleep from living areas. The individual is instructed to get up if he or she is not asleep within 15–20 minutes, or when wakeful during the night or experiencing increasing distress, and not return to bed until feeling sleepy.
Relaxation techniques include progressive relaxation, image training, biofeedback, meditation, hypnosis and autogenic training, with little evidence to indicate superiority for any one approach. Patients are encouraged to practice relaxation techniques throughout the day and early evening
A Chiropractic approach
Chiropractic care and wellness adjustments will help you to relax. It also improves the blood flow in the nervous system and corrects any misalignments, or subluxations in the spine. These subluxations compress the nerves and cause lack of communication between the spine and the brain. These subluxations lead to a process called stress response which puts the body out of balance and do not let the body rest. A well trained chiropractor will adjust these subluxations with safe and careful techniques to get your body to function normally.
Regular chiropractic care can also address and help several
problems that may be causing sleepless nights, such as back
pain, breathing problems, and restless leg syndrome. Many
people have felt that their sleep has improved after getting regular
wellness adjustments. Because the nervous system controls and coordinates all the different functions of your body, any disruption in nerve communication to your organs and body tissues will result in abnormal function. Chiropractors help restore normal nerve function and communication, thereby allowing your body to work normally and naturally.
Other tips that might help
Because there are so many causes of insomnia, it’s too general to say chiropractic will help. Many people have said that adjustments help, and I personally find, if I’m not sleeping well it is time to get adjusted, and then I once again fall asleep fast and get a restful sleep.
Other tips are
Limited intake of caffeine
Eating dinner before six in the evening
Avoiding television and computer time an hour before bed
Staying active by doing regular exercises (not too close to bedtime)
Avoiding excess alcohol
Investing in a good supportive mattress and pillow that support your spine
Keep cell phones and computers out of the bedroom
And most importantly setting a daily routine
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