How do you know if you're an insomniac? If you think you have insomnia, experts recommend that you talk to your doctor. It might be helpful to keep a sleep diary for a week or two to note your sleep patterns, daily routine and feelings during the day. Your doctor may do a physical exam and take a medical and sleep history. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.
How is insomnia treated? Methods for treatment of short term insomnia include following good sleep practices, therapy and medication.
Treatment for chronic insomnia includes: relaxation therapy (reducing stress and body tension so your mind stops "racing" allowing the muscles to relax), sleep restriction (sleeping continuously and getting out of bed at the desired wake time to slowly increase the amount of time in bed), and reconditioning (avoiding other activities in your bed such as reading, eating or watching TV by training your body to relate bed and bedtime with sleep).
