John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
What over-the-counter medicines are there for
insomnia?
Self-treatment of insomnia with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs is advisable only for transient or short-term insomnia. OTC sleep aids should only be used for a short period of time in conjunction with changes in sleeping habits. Chronic use of these drugs may result in dependence on them. This creates a situation in which sleep is not possible unless the drug is used. Chronic insomnia should be evaluated by a physician.
Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine (for example, Sominex, Nytol) and doxylamine
(for example, Unisom) are antihistamines that are
currently marketed as OTC sleep aids. Diphenhydramine is
the only agent that is considered to be safe and effective
by the Food and Drug Administration. Other uses for diphenhydramine include allergy, motion sickness, and cough suppression.
Scientists believe that diphenhydramine and doxylamine
cause sedation by blocking the action of histamine in the
brain, but the exact mechanism of action is not known.
If insomnia is associated with pain, there are numerous
products containing a combination of an antihistamine and
pain reliever. These combination products should not be
used if pain is not present because the added pain reliever
is not necessary.
Pregnancy and lactation: The effects of diphenhydramine
and doxylamine on the fetus have not been evaluated
adequately. Diphenhydramine is classified as a pregnancy "category B"
drug, and is routinely safely used during pregnancy. Although the likelihood of an adverse effect on
the fetus is low, sleeping agents probably should be avoided
during pregnancy. Both agents may decrease lactation
(production of milk). Additionally, these drugs are
secreted into the breast milk, which could affect the
newborn. Therefore, nursing mothers should also avoid both
drugs. Consult a physician if you are pregnant and have insomnia.
Children: Children less than 12 years of age should not use
doxylamine because its use in this in age group has not
been assessed.
Elderly: Sedative effects of these drugs may interact with other
potentially sedating medications. Consult a health care practitioner before
using these drugs.
Drug interactions: Diphenhydramine and doxylamine add
to the sedative effects of alcohol and other medications
that cause drowsiness.
Side effects: Drowsiness is the most frequent side
effect of both diphenhydramine and doxylamine. These agents should not be used in situations (for example,
driving) where mental alertness is required.
Diphenhydramine and doxylamine also cause constipation,
dry
mouth, and difficulty urinating. Both drugs may worsen the
symptoms of glaucoma, asthma, heart problems, and
prostate
gland enlargement. People with these conditions should not
use OTC sleep aids without consulting a physician.
Both drugs may paradoxically cause excitation, resulting
in nervousness and insomnia. This occurs most often in
children and the elderly.
Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur because one's surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS or restless legs syndrome) is a common cause for painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. Not getting enough sleep can hurt memory performance, health, and your mood.
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep. Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. Treatment for insomnia include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
Narcolepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system causes have not been fully determined. Some theories include abnormalities in hypocretin neurons in the brain or an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, disturbed nocturnal sleep, and automatic behavior. Diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests. Treatments of narcolepsy symptoms include medication and lifestyle changes.
Sleepwalking is a condition in which an individual walks or does other activities while asleep. Factors associated with sleepwalking include genetic, environmental, and physiological. Episodes of sleepwalking may include quiet walking to agitated running. Conditions that may have similar symptoms of sleepwalking, but are not include night terrors, confusional arousals, and nocturnal seizures. Treatment of sleepwalking generally include preventative measures. Medication may be prescribed if necessary.
Hypersomnia is a condition where a person has excessive daytime sleepiness and trouble staying awake during the day. Treatment for hypersomnia includes medication, CPAP machines, and lifestyle changes.
Caring for a loved one or patient with Alzheimer's can become a difficult and overwhelming task at times. This guide helps caregivers of individual's with Alzheimer's deal with communicating, bathing, and dressing; as well as problem solving with incontinence, sleeping, wandering; and coping with difficulties Alzheimer's patients present.
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a sleep disorder characterized by rhythmic movements of the limbs during sleep. The movements typically involve the legs, but upper extremity movements may also occur. Movements occur periodically throughout the night and can fluctuate in severity from one night to the next. They tend to cluster in episodes that last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. These movements are very different from the normal spasms, called hypnic myoclonia, that we often experience initially while trying to fall asleep.
When sleepiness interferes with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called "problem sleepiness." A person can have problem sleepiness without realizing it. Symptoms of problem sleepiness include: consistently don't get enough sleep, or poor quality sleep, fall asleep while driving, struggle to stay awake when inactive (like watching TV or reading), have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school, or home, have poor performance problems at work or school, have difficulty remembering things, have slowed responses, have difficulty controlling your emotions, and/or if you have to take naps on most days.
Sleep needs in children and teenagers depends on the age of the child. Sleep disorders in children such as sleep apnea, parasomnias, confusional arousals, night terrors, nightmares, narcolepsy, and sleepwalking can effect a child's or teen's sleep. Healthy sleep habits and good sleep hygiene can help your infant, toddler, preschooler, tween, or teenager get a good night's sleep.
Sleep RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the