Sleep disorders

Additional information

What is insomnia and sleep disorders?

Are you having trouble drifting on at night? Do you find yourself scrolling on your phone in bed, unable to sleep? Well, I can’t lie I have been guilty of this too, but did you know that this widespread habit has probably contributed more than anything else to our poor sleep. This is because the blue light from the phone screen prevents the release of the vampire hormone, melatonin, which is designed to come out at night when daylight falls.

Melatonin is the hormone that makes us feel drowsy and helps us drift off into a blissful slumber, so when we suppress its release, it cannot exert its sleep-inducing effects. It gets worse, as we get older we naturally start producing less melatonin, compounding this effect. So, it’s unsurprising that one of the treatments we recommend is melatonin. You can read all about the wonderful effects of melatonin in our blogs and also learn about a new compounding buccal film containing melatonin that gets you to sleep fast.

Insomnia and sleep disorders are conditions that affect your ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve restful, restorative sleep. These issues can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and a reduced quality of life. Sleep disorders encompass a wide range of problems, including difficulty falling asleep (insomnia), sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Understanding these conditions is key to finding the right treatment and improving your sleep quality.

What causes insomnia and sleep disorders?

The causes of insomnia and sleep disorders are varied and can include both physical and psychological factors. Common causes include:

• Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
• Poor sleep habits: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive screen time before bed, and an uncomfortable sleep environment can all contribute to insomnia.
• Medical conditions: Chronic pain, asthma, or acid reflux can disrupt sleep.
• Medications: Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure, asthma, or depression, can interfere with sleep.
• Caffeine and alcohol: Consumption of caffeine or alcohol, especially close to bedtime, can affect sleep quality.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can severely impact sleep quality.

What are the symptoms of insomnia and sleep disorders?

Symptoms of insomnia and sleep disorders can vary depending on the specific condition but often include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Increased errors or accidents due to lack of sleep

Recognising these symptoms early is essential to address the underlying cause and improve your sleep quality.

How to treat insomnia and sleep disorders

Treating insomnia and sleep disorders typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, behavioural therapies, and, when necessary, medications. Here are some common treatment options:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This is one of the most effective treatments for chronic insomnia. CBT-I focuses on changing sleep habits and thought patterns that contribute to sleep problems. It can help address the root causes of insomnia, offering long-term relief without the need for medication.
• Melatonin supplements: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements are commonly used to treat insomnia, particularly for those who have difficulty falling asleep or for those with disrupted circadian rhythms, such as shift workers or those experiencing jet lag. Unlike some sleep medications, melatonin is not habit-forming and is generally considered safe for short-term use. It works by signalling to your body that it’s time to sleep, helping to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
• Prescription medications: For short-term or severe cases of insomnia, prescription sleeping pills may be recommended. These medications can help you fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep longer, or both. However, they are usually prescribed for short-term use due to the potential for dependence and side effects.
• Over-the-counter sedating antihistamines: Medications like Nytol and Sominex contain sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or promethazine. These drugs are primarily used to treat allergies but have sedative properties that can help with sleep. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical in the brain that promotes wakefulness. While effective for occasional use, they can cause side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, and daytime drowsiness. Long-term use is not recommended as they can lead to tolerance, making them less effective over time.
• Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep hygiene can have a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Relaxation techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and prepare your body and mind for sleep. These techniques can be particularly useful for those whose insomnia is linked to anxiety or stress.

Treating insomnia and sleep disorders often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, behavioural therapies, and medications. Here are some common treatment options:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This is considered one of the most effective treatments for chronic insomnia. It involves changing sleep habits and thought patterns that contribute to sleep problems.
• Medications: Prescription medications, such as sleeping pills or melatonin supplements, may be recommended for short-term use or in severe cases. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
• Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bed, can significantly improve sleep quality.
• Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep.

How to prevent insomnia and sleep disorders

Preventing insomnia and sleep disorders involves adopting healthy sleep habits and addressing any underlying issues that may disrupt sleep. Here are some tips to help prevent sleep problems:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Create a restful environment: Ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Consider using earplugs, an eye mask, or white noise machines if needed.
• Limit screen time before bed: Avoid using electronic devices, such as smartphones or laptops, at least an hour before bedtime.
• Avoid heavy meals and stimulants: Steer clear of large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Incorporate physical activity: Regular exercise can promote better sleep, but try to finish your workout several hours before bed.

When to seek medical attention

If you find that your sleep problems persist despite making lifestyle changes or if insomnia is affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice. Additionally, if you experience symptoms such as severe daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or pauses in breathing during sleep, you should consult a healthcare professional, as these may indicate a more serious sleep disorder like sleep apnea.

Buy treatment online from Medical Mojo

At Medical Mojo, we provide a range of effective treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders, all prescribed by UK-registered prescribers. Whether you’re looking for short-term relief or long-term solutions, our online pharmacy offers a variety of options tailored to your needs. With discreet delivery and expert advice available, you can trust Medical Mojo to help you achieve a restful night’s sleep.