At first, this approach might sound counter-productive. However, the purpose behind this behavioral therapy is to increase your need for sleep by temporarily shortening the amount of sleep per night. For example, a person with chronic insomnia may initially limit his or her time in bed to 5 or 6 hours for a few days, then increase it by 15 minutes or more each day. In addition to lifestyle and behavior changes, a prescription sleep medication may be required. These medications generally are prescribed for no more than three or four weeks due to the risk of dependency.
Doctors also prescribe antidepressant medications to treat insomnia.
Antidepressants have been shown to improve sleep in persons with depression and can be used long-term. Sleep medications may cause side effects after waking. If your sleep medication leaves you with daytime drowsiness or slowed reflexes as you start your day, call your doctor. You also should not drive your car or operate machinery after taking sleep medication. And, as with any drug, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to be, since a number of medications can harm the fetus.