Thanks for your help. As evidenced by your letter, it is often associated with depression and preceded by stressful life events, like the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a job loss. Unfortunately, sleeping pills, particularly benzodiazepines, such as Valium, Librium, Ativan, or the older barbiturates, are often ineffective with chronic use, and there's potential for severe withdrawal reactions when the pills are stopped. Depressed patients tend to underestimate the amount of sleep they get. Insomnia isn t fatal.
People don t die from lack of sleep.
What they do is fall asleep. Good sleep hygiene may help. Avoid caffeinated beverages. Sleep in a quiet, unstimulating, darkened room. Avoid daytime naps.