Insomnia: From A–Zzz’s!

Available for Interviews: Dr. Eldred Taylor

Interview Dr. Eldred Taylor to answer all of your women’s health questions regarding hormonal imbalances and how to correct them. Dr. Taylor is a leader in the hormone industry and is passionate about helping women while using a holistic functional medicine approach.

Talking Points for an Interview On Insomnia:

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep. It can occur at any age, but it is most likely to occur as we age.

Primary insomnia occurs when it is not directly associated with any other health conditions or disorders. Secondary insomnia occurs when sleep problems are associated with health conditions like depression, anxiety, pain, and chronic or acute diseases like asthma, cancer and arthritis. It can also be associated with medications or drugs like alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

Symptoms

  • difficulty falling asleep
  • daytime sleepiness
  • frequent awakenings during the night
  • difficulty falling back to sleep
  • early morning awakenings
  • feeling tired upon waking
  • irritability
  • fatigue
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • difficulty with concentration and memory
  • persistent worrying about sleep

Psychological conditions
that can cause Insomnia

Depression, anxiety, panic disorder, chronic stress, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Medications that can cause Insomnia

Antidepressants, cold and flu medications that contain alcohol; pain relievers that contain caffeine (Midol, Excedrin), diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid hormone and high blood pressure medications.

Medical conditions
that can cause insomnia

Sleep disorders, adrenal gland dysfunction, pain, asthma, food and environmental allergies, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, acid reflux and kidney disorders.

Insomnia can be chronic (long-term) or acute (short term). Acute insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks while chronic insomnia occurs at least three nights a week for a month or longer. Acute causes of insomnia may include acute stressors or illnesses, medications, and abrupt lifestyle, work or environmental changes. The two most common causes of chronic insomnia are depression and anxiety. Other causes of chronic insomnia may include stress, chronic medical conditions and sleep disorders like sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome.

Diagnosing Insomnia

If you think you have insomnia, seek help from a licensed health care provider. An evaluation may include a medical history, a sleep history and diary, a sleep study, brain EEG and other specialized testing to identify causes of secondary insomnia. Elevated bedtime hormone levels of the hormone cortisol are a common cause of insomnia. It is important to identify the underlying cause of your insomnia. Treating the symptoms of insomnia with prescriptions and over the counter medications will often lose their effectiveness and may cause dependency.

Tips for combating insomnia

  1. Go to bed at the same time each night.
  2. Avoid daytime naps.
  3. Limit or avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol late in the night.
  4. Regular exercise during the day.
  5. Increase light exposure during the day.
  6. Avoid late night heavy meals.
  7. Eat a small bedtime snack.
  8. Use black out curtains or sleep mask to avoid awakening due to sunlight.
  9. Use earplugs or white noise machines to drown out disturbing sounds.
  10. Limit artificial light by avoiding electronics like iPads, cell phones and televisions at bedtime, which might over stimulate you.
  11. Make your bed comfortable with a good mattress and pillow.
  12. Read a book, listen to music, or take a bath before bedtime to relax before you sleep.
  13. Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep or sex.
  14. If you can’t sleep, get up and read, listen to soft music or do something that is not overly stimulating.
  15. To avoid worrying at night by making a to-do list before you got to bed.

 

Available for Interviews: Dr. Eldred Taylor

Dr. Eldred Taylor , MD, is an expert in functional and anti-aging medicine and is President of the American Functional Medicine Association, a nonprofit which educates healthcare providers and the public on functional (wellness) medicine. He is the co-author of Are Your Hormones Making You Sick? and The Stress Connection. Dr. Taylor is also a sought-after radio and television personality who has been featured in local and national publications. 


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