Searchlight Logo
special_image

    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
    • News
      • Front Page
      • News
      • Breaking News
      • Press Release
      • Features
      • Special Features
      • From the Courts
      • Sports
      • Regional / World
    • Opinions
      • Editorial
      • Our Readers’ Opinions
      • Bassy – Love Vine
      • Dr. Fraser- Point of View
      • R. Rose – Eye of the Needle
      • On Target
      • Dr Jozelle Miller
      • The World Around Us
      • Random Thoughts
    • Advice
      • Kitchen Corner
      • What’s on Fleek this week
      • Health Wise
      • Physician’s Weekly
      • Business Buzz
      • Hey Rosie!
      • Prime the pump
    • ePaper
    • Obituaries
      • In Memoriam / Acknowledgement
      • Tribute
    • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Letters To The Editor
      • General Contact Information
      • Contact our Webmaster
    • About Us
      • Interactive Media Ltd
      • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    • Subscribe
Suffering from (chronic) insomnia
Physician's Weekly
February 25, 2022

Suffering from (chronic) insomnia

Q: I’ve suffered from insomnia for years and I can only get to sleep if I take lorazepam. Help! What can I do to return my sleep to normal?

Introduction

Up to 1/3 of adults have suffered from insomnia. Some have difficulty falling asleep, others staying asleep and many have both. Seven or more hours of nightly sleep is considered ideal. Chronic insomnia lasts for three months or more.

Chronic insomnia can be primary or secondary. With the former there are no identifiable causes. In the case of the latter, this may be as a result of a medical condition, drugs/ medication, lifestyle and other contributing factors.

Symptoms

These may include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep, remaining, and returning to sleep
  • Early morning waking
  • Lack of energy and tiredness during the day
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty performing tasks, concentrating
  • Prone to making mistakes and accidents
  • Anxiety/ depression

Causes

Secondary chronic insomnia has a wide array of causes, some are listed below:

Medical conditions

  • Asthma
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Emphysema
  • Heart failure
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Menopause
  • Stress
  • Depression
  •  Anxiety
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Parkinsons
  • Chronic pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Reflux/ GERD

Medicines/ Stimulants

  • Beta blockers – e.g. atenolol, propranolol
  • Antidepressants
  • Decongestants
  • Diuretics
  • Cocaine
  • Alcohol
  • Coffee, tea, energy drinks
  • Nicotine

Lifestyle

  • Shift work
  • Sedentary
  • The environment – Too hot, cold, noisy, brightly lit
  • Daytime napping
  • Excess exposure to blue light from electronic devices
  • Frequent travel across time zones

Cutting edge information

Research emerging from the University of Tsukuba in Japan suggests that one’s gut bacteria may impact the serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain which in turn can influence sleep. The researchers ultimately hope that changing the diet of someone suffering with insomnia will significantly improve their sleep.

Treating chronic insomnia

Lifestyle modification where possible

  • Set a consistent sleep and wake time
  • Seek out an 8am to 5.00p.m job as opposed to shift work
  • Avoid alcohol and products with caffeine
  • Avoid heavy meals after 6.00p.m
  • Make sure pillows/mattress are/is comfortable
  • Minimize light in the bedroom when going to sleep. If this is not possible, use a sleep mask.
  • Start an exercise program
  • Avoid sleep environments that’s too hot, cold, noisy or brightly lit
  • Avoid daytime napping
  • Avoid exposure to blue light from 2 hours before bedtime
  • The bed should only be used for sleep and sex.
  • Practice relaxation techniques – e.g. breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation.

Medications

While there are a number of medications that can be prescribed for chronic insomnia, however many of these should be used sparingly because of the potential for addiction and other side effects. Such side effects include daytime sleepiness, forgetfulness, balance issues, and falls. Discuss with your doctor the pros vs the cons of taking such medications long-term.
Many opt for non-prescription formulations to help with their chronic insomnia. Examples include:

  •  Diphenhydramine (found in a number of cough meds)
  • Melatonin
  •  Valerian root
  • Chamomile tea

Treating underlying medical problems

If the chronic insomnia is caused by an underlying medical condition, the satisfactory treatment of such often leads to the resolution of the chronic insomnia.

Author’s contact Information: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale, www.familycaresvg.com, clinic The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.

  • FacebookComments
  • ALSO IN THE NEWS
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Front Page
    Domestic worker killed at Long Wall
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    FAMILY MEMBERS of a woman who was killed at Long Wall say they suspect their relative was hacked by a person they all know very well. On Tuesday, Sept...
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Front Page
    NDP never built a single house in SVG – Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE IDEA THAT HOUSING is a right, that every Vincentian has a right to safe and secure housing, and that the government has a role to play in ensuring...
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Front Page
    No bail for Police officer charged with attempted murder
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A POLICE OFFICER, who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend 26 times about her body was remanded even as his lawyer argued that the Royal St Vincent and...
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Front Page
    New ULP Administration will roll out AI policy
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A NEW UNITY LABOUR PARTY ADMINISTRATION will be rolling out an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy to embrace its positives and guard against the nega...
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Front Page
    Sandy Bay Secondary School marks 20th Anniversary
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 9,2025 was a memorable day for the staff and students of the Sandy Bay Secondary School, which was marking its 20th anniversary wi...
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    News
    Foundation implements community driven project in SVG
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    THE ASHLEY LASHLEY Foundation, with support from the United States Government, is implementing a local-level project entitled “Community-Driven Strate...
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    News
    Skills not available locally, non-nationals have to be hired says Finance Minister
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    NON- NATIONALS ARE being hired to fill several jobs in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) simply because locals did not have the required skill sets....
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    News
    Montgomery Daniel squashes rumours that he’s sick
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Montgomery Daniel has sought to clear around rumours that have been circulating relating to his health. Speaking on NBC radio on...
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    News
    $1.3 billion in Tourism investment to yield 2,000 jobs – Camillo
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    The GOVERNMENT of St Vincent and the Grenadines is set to sign agreements for tourism investment of $1.3 billion on mainland St.Vincent. On Monday, Se...
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    From the Courts, News
    Bagga’ man pleads guilty to illegal gun, ammo possession
    Webmaster 
    September 12, 2025
    A BARROUALLIE MAN will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to being in illegal possession of a firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. Demron...

    E-EDITION
    ePaper
    google_play
    app_store
    Subscribe Now
    • Interactive Media Ltd. • P.O. Box 152 • Kingstown • St. Vincent and the Grenadines • Phone: 784-456-1558 © Copyright Interactive Media Ltd.. All rights reserved.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok