Sleep problems?
Do you struggle to sleep?
Counting sheep not enough?
Do you wake up feeling like you need a couple more hours of sleep?
If so, it is important that you talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the options available to you to ensure that you get the rest your body needs.
Ways to improve sleep without medical intervention include: avoid the weekend sleep in; get up every day at the same time; get enough early morning sunshine that helps set your body clock; go to bed when you are sleepy; not take your mobile phone to bed with you and ensure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet; avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine; and, avoid alcohol.
Sleep apnoea is a condition where you stop breathing for a period, leading to multiple wake-ups during the night. The symptoms include waking up feeling groggy, sleepy during the day, trouble sleeping at night, snoring and intermittent breathing while asleep.
The only way to be sure if you suffer from this condition is to undertake a sleep study, on referral by your doctor. Once diagnosed, a sleep apnoea machine will become a part of your night sleep. While maybe not such a romantic gadget to take to bed with your partner, it should bring about a peaceful night’s sleep for you both. There are herbal and conventional medications to help remedy insomnia.
Melatonin can be prescribed by your doctor, which is a natural hormone that promotes sleep and is crucial in maintaining your sleep-awake patterns. As a shortterm measure, your doctor may prescribe sleeping tablets, or you could try natural supplements that contain valerian, passionflower, hops or chamomile.
If insomnia or lack of a good quality sleep is a problem for you, it is important you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to improve your sleep and to help manage any underlying issues that may be the root cause of your insomnia.
If you have any further queries or would like to find out more, you can email us, find a further discussion on the Geeveston Pharmacy Facebook page or contact Geeveston Pharmacy directly on 6297 1256.
Originally published in the Huon News.